PhilosophyAn introduction

What is philosophy?

Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle said that

philosophy is ‘the science which considers truth’

Word

Philosophy• Greek word meaning “love of wisdom”• First used by Pythagoras • “thinking about thinking” (Anthony Quinton)• Involves reason, criticism, examination and

analysis

Philosophy begins with wonder.

It considers our place in the grand scheme of the universe, including our purpose on Earth and the mysteries of life and death.

It is the examination of the answers we have found to the questions we have considered, and the development of the rationale for the beliefs held about these answers.

It has us make up our own minds about our self, life, knowledge, art, religion, and morality without depending on the authority of others…. And then question those beliefs again

Who can be a philosopher?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DLzXAjscXk

Philosophical or not?

• “What is the weather like today?”• “Are we alone in the universe?”• “What colour is the grass?”• “Is it always wrong to steal?”• “Is gold valuable?”• “What day is it today?”• “How much longer Papa Smurf?”

Philosophy

Religion

Science

• Uses reason to explore

• Has no definite answers

• beliefs• Deals with same

topics as philosophy• Deep commitment

• Study of natural world

• Scientific method

Main Fields of Philosophy

Reasoning and logic

Metaphysics

Epistemology

Ethics

Social and Political Philosophy

Aesthetics

Reasoning and LogicReasoning and logic deals with the pursuit of truth and reasoning, asking questions such as “What are the tools that you use in any argument?” “What rules do you agree on?” “What counts as a valid argument?”

The ability to reason is fundamental to human nature

Sound reasoning requires that we are on guard against prejudices, biases, and stereotypes in our thinking

Reasoning is related to autonomy: the ability to be master of our thoughts and behaviours when making up our own mind about what to believe and do.

• Reasoning helps us make decisions

• It helps us avoid manipulation• It helps us determine the validity

of information and to use this information effectively

• it helps us defend our positions• It helps us to make sense of the

world• Logic is the study of the methods

and principles of correct reasoning

MetaphysicsMetaphysics examines the nature of being and asks big questions, including, What exists? What is real? Can we talk about things that do not exist, such as unicorns? What is the meaning of life?

Some consider metaphysics to be the ‘first philosophy’ - as it raises questions which are the starting point of all philosophy

Before we can ask a question such as “Do we perceive reality as it really is?” we must have an understanding of the nature of reality and being.

Ontology is the area of metaphysics that studies the nature of being and reality.

One of the core questions of metaphysics is this: Is everything in the universe determined by our outside causes, or are humans, at least, freely able to choose for themselves?

EpistemologyEpistemology, which is about all knowledge, inquires, What does it mean when we say that we “know” something? How do we obtain knowledge? Is knowledge universal?

Epistemology asks how we can be certain about our knowledge. Do we know some topics with a greater degree of certainty than others? Is certainty necessary?

It also asks if knowledge is out there in the world, or do we construct knowledge in our minds? If knowledge is constructed, do individuals know things differently? Do gender and culture affect how we know?

Epistemology discusses the meaning of truth, including definitions of truth and validity, and employs logic and reasoning

It questions whether or not truth is objective or subjective.

Ethics Ethics is the study of the nature of our conduct.

Ethics involves ‘systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behaviour.”

Ethics, as a field, is usually divided into three categories:

Metaethics asks the question, “From where do our moral principles come?” Do we make up moral principles as we go along? Are moral principles the products of particular societies? Is morality relative?

Normative Ethics asks, “What are these principles we use to arrive at moral judgements?” Are the consequences of an action what make the action right or wrong, or is it the intention of the action that determines this?

Applied Ethics is more practical and asks, How can we apply ethical judgement to particular problems, such as abortion, war, public order, animal rights, and the justice system. Most people think of Applied Ethics when they hear the word ‘ethics’ but we cannot jump to applications first.

Social and Political PhilosophySocial and political philosophy examines the way that society organizes itself and inquires, How should we govern ourselves? What is justice?

Social and political philosophy are influenced by the historical, cultural, and religious forces of a nation. These forces shape the ideologies, policies, and structure of the nation’s social and political institutions.

It addresses the regulations that affect society, and explores the ideal type of government. It considers concepts of rights, justice, and regulations, and often focusses on what OUGHT to be the case, instead of chronicling what IS the case.

For this reason, the question, "What is the ideal government?" is a frequent topic of consideration in social and political philosophy

It also asks, "Should all people be treated equally regardless of race, creed, or gender?" "How much freedom should an individual enjoy without government interference or limitation?"

Perhaps most importantly, it attempts to answer: "What do justice and freedom MEAN?"

AestheticsAesthetics asks questions such as What is beauty? What is art? What is the role of art in society?

Some people argue that art is anything you can get away with

Is there an objective answer as to what is art? Is it always subjective?

Is there truth to be found in artistic expression?

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave