Lectures 1&2

Question 1

What is philosophy?

Answer 1

philosophy is an activity undertaken by human beings who are deeply concerned about who they are and what everything means (invitation to philosophy)

Question 2

Philosophy is characterized by its use of…

Answer 2

reason (kierkegaard)

Question 3

Philosophy is usually divided into three fields:

Answer 3

Epistemology: How do we KNOW?
Metaphysics: What is REAL?
Axiology: What is VALUABLE?
- also incorporates ethics, aesthetics, and what is true, real, good.

Question 4

two approaches to philosophy are:

Answer 4

Synchronic: idea/problem based
Diachronic: historical

Question 5

The two kinds of philosophy are:

Answer 5

Critical: Analytic Philosophy
Speculative: Scholastic Philosophy

Question 6

The Pre-Socratics all wished to find_______

Answer 6

a fundamental principle or ARCHE (law)

Question 7

A number of differences are highlighted in the Pre-Socratics (5)

Answer 7

1) the real and the apparent
2) rational truth and sensory perception
3) being and becoming
4) autonomy and superiority of human reason as judge of reality
5) skepticism rationalism balanced by science