The Branches of Philosophy By: Anna O'Neil

The Branches of Philosophy What do you think Philosophy is?.... This really is a difficult question, many people have a hard time describing philosophy. In addition, historically there has been much disagreement on this question.

Today there is some consensus Philosophy – comes from the Greek word meaning “the love of wisdom” Today Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems of human existence. It considers the big questions in life.

The Study of Philosophy has 4 main branches Epistemology Metaphysics Axiology Aesthetics

Epistemology First, lets think about Epistemology...

The Branches of Philosophy Epistemology is a branch of philosophy that studies knowledge. What is knowledge? How do we get it? This branch examines concepts like truth, belief, and justification.

Epistemology An important philosopher in Epistemology was Rene DesCarte At one point he argued that there was no truth, nor any knowledge. He suggested life could be just a dream, or an illusion created by an “Evil Geniuses”

*I Think, Therefore I am* Ultimately, Des Cartes decided he could have knowledge. However, this is still hotly contested

Next we will look at the branch of Philosophy: Metaphysics

Metaphysics is concerned with 1. “First Principles” How did everything begin? What, if anything caused it all? What rules were required before anything could exist? It explores concepts like “free will” the ability to make choices and changes versus “determinism” , also known as destiny- fate.

Metaphysics is also concerned with... “Being” or Ontology What kinds of things, if any exist? How can we sort them? It specifically looks at concepts like property identity and changes over time space and time

Next we learn about Axiology Axiology is better known as Ethics or Morality It is the study of what is good or bad Right or wrong Or what one ought to do, as opposed to what people actually do

Axiology (Ethics) When you see a kid in the hall at school getting pushed a little or called names should you help him or her? Do animals have rights? Do people have a duty to be kind? Is it OK to hurt one person in order to help two other people?

...Now relax and listen for a moment ...then please post your comments on my blog linked at the end of this presentation

Aesthetics is the study of beauty and art next...Aesthetics Aesthetics is the study of beauty and art

Aesthetics Aesthetics asks What is art or not art? What makes art good or bad? Is beauty in the eye of the beholder? What is the importance of art?

Aesthetics What do you think makes good art?

Let's review Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems having to do with human existence

Philosophy has 4 branches Epistemology – the theory of knowledge Metaphysics – the study of Beginnings (First Principles) and Being (Ontology) Axiology- (aka-Ethics) the study of right and wrong. How people should behave. Aesthetics - the study of beauty and art

Philosophy Rocks! EMAA Epistemology Metaphysics Axiology Aesthetics And one more thing....

Check it out! click this link to continue to my philosophy blog to explore fun and interactive content http://www.lessonsinphilosophy.blogspot.com/