I have a theory Basically, the concept is:
Most people aren't philosophers. Most people don't think. Most people are happy to go with the flow, accept what they see, and just enjoy the ride. Some people can't think. You present them with a problem, and they can't solve it, and sometimes can't even see the problem. These people go with the flow because they see no alternative. And then you have this very small minority of people who are philosophers. The people who question everything, the people who can't stop thinking about everything. The people who can't be indoctrinated. These people are the ones who instigate social change, the ones who change the world. They are only a fraction, probably less than 1%, but this is a necessary condition. If everyone tried to change the world, then there would be no consistency to change. You only need one person to create the theory of natural selection. You only need one person to question the earth centered universe, you only need one person to propose everyone in a society should be treated equally etc..Is philosophy practical knowledge? With the above in mind, I don't think our society would be beyond the caves without philosophers.