Does one have to agonise over a philosophy? Does it have to be at the expense of taking images? Surely this is something which can be developed concurrently as part of the process of choosing what to go out and shoot and actually doing so. I find it takes place mostly in between shooting, when printing, after printing and looking at bodies of work, getting feedback etc.
Personally, the images I shoot contribute to the process of self-appraisal and adjusting my direction. I don't stay in to 'think deeply' rather than shoot images if that is whats being suggested. I do, however, tend to go out with new ideas as to what I can do to work towards being at better photographer as I see it. That may include technical goals, but more often than not they are related to the desired feel of the resultant images or a way of being responsive to the unexpected.
Going out and shooting a lot surely polishes technique, but if there is no underlying thought behind what you do, does the polishing itself go in any particular direction and therefore achieve particular outcome or conclusions? To what end - technically better? If the images are just plain 'better' as you see them there is likely to be a reason and the appreciation of that fact surely lies in the achievement of some sort of desired end result/positive response - if so, what is this? What I am trying to say is that however simple, there is some sort of philosophy that underpins taking pictures for most people, regardless of whether it is one that requires great concentration to articulate or one which is incredibly simple (like I love shots that show my kids happy and having fun).
Shooting more, with no real thought will improve one's photography in which way? Sharper, better exposure etc? Most people agree that technical perfection with little else makes for awfully boring photography, hence my belief that there has to be something else getting exercised (other than the shutter) if we are to truly improve beyond 'proficient operator of image capture device.'
I do hope this is not construed as 'nose in the air' talk 😀