Final answer:
De Botton's definition of design as unlearning beliefs encourages intellectual growth through philosophical inquiry, deconstructing ideas to uncover truths, and continuously questioning and revising beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alain de Botton defines design as an intellectual process that requires us to unlearn what we think we already know. This means letting go of deeply held beliefs that once provided comfort and certainty, to allow ourselves to explore new ideas that may initially seem disturbing.
This conceptual shift is not imposed externally but arises from an internal realization that our previous understandings may be flawed. The process is akin to philosophical growth, forcing us to open our minds to different perspectives and to critically evaluate our beliefs.
In essence, the notion challenges us to deconstruct our ideas, akin to Derrida's method, to see the truth that may lie in what we previously undervalued or dismissed.
This can pertain to a wide array of subjects, from understanding the processes of natural selection and questioning the need for a Divine designer to revisiting John Locke's tabula rasa theory regarding human knowledge acquisition.
As such, the act of design in this philosophical sense extends beyond aesthetics or functionality; it is a comprehensive re-evaluation of our understanding of the world.