Module 1: Introduction to Philosophy Flashcards
Etymologically, the term philosophy comes from the Greek words
philos: love
sophia: wisdom
Strong inclination of human beings to pursue knowledge and truth and put this into practice.
love of wisdom
Considered to be the first to use the term philosopher
Pythagoras (582-500 BCE)
Philosophy: All rational inquiry except for science.
W. Russ Payne
Philosophy: Questions are more important than answers because answers themselves will, in turn, become questions.
Karl Jaspers
Philosophy: Completely unified knowledge.
Herbert Spencer
Philosophy: A science that seeks the causes and sources of beings.
Aristotle
Philosophy: Acquisition of knowledge.
Plato
Philosophy: A science that studies the first and universal causes.
St. Thomas Aquinas
Philosophy: Knowledge of things by their first causes.
Rene Descartes
Philosophy: A science of the general principles of knowledge and of the ultimate object attainable by knowledge.
Immanuel Kant
Common elements of philosophy
(SDSD)
Philosophy is science.
Philosophy is done with the use of reasons.
Philosophy studies all things.
Deals with the first causes and highest principles.
It is a science because it is an organized body of knowledge. The philosopher is does his/her investigation scientifically following certain steps or procedure.
Philosophy is Science
The philosopher utilizes his/her natural capacity to think. But it is not enough to think, what is being ask is to think well.
Philosophy is done with the use of reasons.
Philosophy is the underlying basis of all the branches of inquiry. It forms the basic level of all intellectual subjects.
Philosophy studies all things.
All scientific studies deal with a certain and immediate kind of phenomenon which can be deduced from evidence through sense data while philosophy deals with the reality’s ultimate causes, reason and principles.
It deals with the first causes and highest principles.
Branches of Philosophy
Metaphysics
Epistemology
Ethics
Logic
Metaphysics is derived from the two Greek words
meta: after
physika: physical
Metaphysics // meta physika
After physics or nature.
It is the study of the most general aspects of reality. It is also concerned with the study of the first principles and the nature of being.
Metaphysics
Epistemology was derived from the Greek words
episteme: knowledge
logos: word/study
It is the science of knowledge and is concerned with the nature of knowledge and justified belief.
Epistemology
Logic comes from the Greek word
logos: word/study
It is the study of correct thinking or reasoning. Also known as the study of reasoning.
Logic
It can also be described as the study of strength of the evident links between the premises and the conclusion.
Logic
Ethics is derived from the Greek word
ethos: custom/habit
It is concerned with human moral behavior. It is the science of what human behavior ought to be.
Ethics
Purpose of studying Philosophy
CEBCHE
• Critical-thinking skills
• Exploring fundamental questions
• Broadening perspectives
• Cultivating communication skills
• Historical and cultural awareness
• Ethical reflection
It challenges us to think deeply, critically analyze arguments, and evaluate evidence.
Critical-thinking skills
Philosophy delves into fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, morality, and reality. It fosters a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Exploring fundamental questions
Exposes us to diverse perspectives and worldviews. It encourages open-mindedness and the ability to empathize with different viewpoints, which is crucial for fostering tolerance and empathy in a diverse society.
Broadening perspectives
Philosophy provides a framework for ethical reflection. It helps us grapple with moral dilemmas, consider ethical principles, and make informed decisions in both personal and professional contexts.
Ethical reflection
Engaging in philosophical discussions and debates hones communication skills. Students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly, express complex ideas, and engage in respectful dialogue with others.
Cultivating communication skills
Studying the history of philosophy introduces students to the intellectual and cultural heritage of different societies. It helps them appreciate how philosophical ideas have shaped human history and thought.
Historical and cultural awareness
What Benefits Can We Gain from Studying Philosophy?
IPEMP
• Intellectual enrichment
• Problem Solving
• Enhanced empathy
• Moral clarity
• Personal growth
Philosophy deepens your intellectual capacity and broadens your horizons. It exposes you to a wide range of ideas and encourages you to think critically and creatively.
Intellectual enrichment
Analyzing complex issues and constructing persuasive arguments are skills that can benefit you in academics and beyond.
Problem Solving
By examining different philosophical perspectives, students gain a better understanding of diverse viewpoints and cultures.
Enhanced empathy
Philosophy helps you clarify your own values and principles. It enables you to make ethically informed choices and navigate moral dilemmas with greater confidence.
Moral clarity
It encourages introspection and helps individuals develop a sense of purpose and direction in life.
Personal growth
Importance of Philosophy
UML
• Understanding the world
• Making better decisions
• Living a more fulfilling life
Making Better Decisions
CEL
a. Critical Thinking
b. Ethical Decision Making
c. Logic and Reasoning
Philosophy develops critical thinking skills, allowing us to assess arguments, identify logical fallacies, and make well-reasoned decisions.
Critical Thinking
Philosophy offers ethical theories and principles that can guide us in making morally sound choices.
Ethical Decision Making
Philosophical logic helps us structure our thoughts and evaluate the validity of arguments.
Logic and Reasoning
Living More Fulfilling Lives
SMEC
a. Self-reflection
b. Meaning and purpose
c. Emotional resilience
d. Cultural and historical awareness
Philosophy encourages introspection and self-examination.
Self reflection
Philosophical inquiries into the meaning of life and personal values can help us discover a sense of purpose
Meaning and purpose
Engaging with philosophical ideas can enhance emotional resilience by challenging us to confront difficult questions and uncertainties.
Emotional resilience
Philosophy exposes us to the cultural and historical context of ideas.
Cultural and historical awareness
What is the value or importance of philosophy? Why do we really need to philosophize?Is it really necessary?
The answer lies on the fact that whether we like it or not, we are all “philosophers”in our own right
Who argued that human beings propensity to philosophize comes from our sense of wonder
Plato
Who argued we philosophized because of our capacity to doubt.
Rene Descartes
Who claims that our very own experience compels us to philosophize.
Karl Jaspers
To love wisdom
is to always seek for the truth
Philosophy is valuable because:
1) it is applicable to our daily activities and how we view our lives;
2) it enables and enhances our capacity to make better decisions and act appropriately according to a given situation;
3) it enables reflective thinking that greatly influences how we view our life, the challenges in our life and our relationships.
