Lecture 2 Flashcards
Philosophia
The Love of wisdom
Earliest philosophers used the word philosphy to mean?
The academic study of anything
What has philosphy become now
came to be understood as a way of thinking about questions
Branches of Philosophy
Metaphysics
Epistemology
Value Theory
What is Metaphysics
The branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such as being, knowing, identity, time, and space.
Meta
Beyond/after
Physika
Physical/nature
Metaphysics
Study of things beyond the physical.
Basic Metaphysic questions?
“What is the meaning of life?”
“Is there life after death?”
“What is the world like?”
“What is the origin of the world?”
“What is the nature of reality?”
“What’s is being?”
“Is the universe infinite?”
“Does the composition of the world solely consist of matter and energy, or are there additional factors or phenomena at play?”
What is the effort of Metaphysics?
An effort to understand the fundamental nature of reality, of the world, of the universe and of being.
What is a thought process discussed in this class called?
The Ship of Theseus
The Ship of Theseus
A thought process
What is the The Ship of Theseus origin
According to Greek mythology, Theseus returned to Athens after defeating the Minotaur aboard his ship.
As a token of gratitude for his victory, the Athenians preserved the ship for centuries, showcasing it as a symbol of heroism and triumph.
The ship served as a reminder of Theseus’s epic journey and his contributions to the city-state.
The Ship of Theseus – Paradox
However, over time, a paradox arose concerning the ship’s identity.
As the ship aged and parts began to decay, Athenians faced a practical dilemma: How should they preserve the Ship of Theseus?
To maintain its appearance and structural integrity, decaying parts were systematically replaced with new ones.
This gradual process of replacement gave rise to the Ship of Theseus paradox.
At what point does the ship cease to be the Ship of Theseus and become something else?
Does the replacement of each individual part alter the identity of the ship?
How do we define the persistence of identity in the face of continuous change?
Line of logic
seeing your fallacys
Are human beings merely complex machines? Or is there something immaterial involved, such as a vital life force?
1. “Do you intuitively lean towards the idea that the humans are purely physical?”
2. “Or do you find yourself more inclined to believe in an immaterial aspect, like a soul, that interacts with the body?”
This question delves into the philosophical concept of materialism, which posits that humans are purely physical beings without any immaterial aspect such as a soul. It challenges one’s intuition regarding the nature of human existence, whether it is solely determined by physical processes or if there is more to it than meets the eye.
This question explores the idea of dualism, which suggests that humans possess both physical and immaterial aspects, such as a soul or consciousness, which interact with the body. It prompts individuals to consider whether there is something beyond the physical realm that influences human existence and consciousness.
Epistemology
The branch of philosophy dealing with the methods, limits and validity of knowledge
Study of the nature and scope of knowledge and justified belief
Episteme
knowledge
Logos
study
Basic questions in epistemology
- “What is knowledge?”
- “What do we know?”
- “How is knowledge acquired?”
- “What is the best way to find truth?”
- “Is the world really what I think it is?”
Archimedes’ Displacement Principle
Explores how the displacement of water can be used to measure the volume of irregularly shaped objects.
Procedure
* Step 1: Submerging the Object:
* Immerse the irregular object in a container of water.
* Step 2: Water Displacement:
* The volume of water displaced is equal to the volume of the irregular object.
Empiricism
Knowledge derived from sensory experience and observation.
Rationalism
Knowledge derived from reason, logic, and introspection.
What if we dropped a 10c coin into the middle of a lake?
Would that cause the lake to rise? “As the coin enters the lake, it displaces an amount of water equal to its volume, causing the water level to rise.”What If We Can’t See It
If a statement holds true in principle, its truth remains valid, even in instances where direct observation or verification is not possible.
What about a Chiropractic Adjustment? Is there benefit to having subluxations corrected even if there is no observable change?
If a statement holds true in principle, its truth remains valid, even in instances where direct observation or verification is not possible.
Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct subluxations, promoting optimal spinal movement and reducing nerve interference. Challenges in directly observing the effects do not negate the inherent benefit of addressing subluxations. The principle remains true.
What is value theory?
Helps frame your thinking around what you do. How you should act, and what should you attach meaning to.
Two branches
* Ethics
* Aesthetics. - what makes life beauty
Ethics
- Ethos - custom or habit
- Morality of human actions
How should I act to realise the greater good?
Acting for the greater good entails making decisions and taking actions that prioritize the well-being and welfare of the broader community or society over individual interests or gains. It involves considering the long-term consequences and aiming to maximize benefits for the greatest number of people.
To realize the greater good, individuals can engage in actions such as practicing empathy and compassion towards others, promoting social justice and equality, supporting sustainable and ethical practices, volunteering or participating in community service, advocating for positive change, and making decisions that consider the impact on future generations and the environment. It involves acting with integrity, responsibility, and a sense of duty towards creating a better world for all.
