Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics Dr. Terry Seufferlein

Philosophy: unintelligible answers to insoluble problems. -Henry Adams The point of philosophy is to start with something so simple as not to seem worth stating, and to end with something so paradoxical that no one will believe it. -Bertrand Russell I have a new philosophy. I'm only going to dread one day at a time. -Charles Schulz (Charlie Brown)

What is Philosophy? Philosophy is the process of learning how to think clearly about the big picture of life. Why am I doing what I’m doing? Where am I going in life? What does it all mean? Who am I? Who do I want to become? These questions penetrate below the surface level of life (where most people live).

Philosophy provides the tools for exploring the key questions of life: What is the meaning of life? How do I know what is really true? To what extent am I free and responsible for my actions? Facing moral choices – what is the right thing to do (ethics)? What is the connection between my religious beliefs and the rest of my life?

“Philosophy” The word means “love of wisdom” Philosophy is not simply a collection of great teachings of great thinkers. It is a search for answers “that reflects passion, commitment, and intellectual ambition.” (Chaffee, The Philosopher’s Way, 10.)

“Philosophy pursues questions in every dimension of human life, and its techniques apply to problems in any field of study or endeavor.” From the American Philosophical Association’s website -

A reasoned pursuit of fundamental truths A quest for understanding A study of principles of conduct Seeks to establish standards of evidence Seeks to provide rational methods of resolving conflicts Seeks to create techniques for evaluating ideas and arguments Develops the capacity to see the world from the perspective of other individuals and other cultures Enhances one’s ability to perceive the relationships among the various fields of study

Philosopher’s Statements about Philosophy Socrates – “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Plato – “Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy is rooted in wonder.” Aristotle – “Philosophy is the science which considers the truth.”

Philosopher’s Statements about Philosophy Napoleon – “There are two powers in the world: the sword and the mind. In the long run, the sword is always beaten by the mind.” Baruch Spinoza – “I do not know how to teach philosophy without becoming a disturber of the peace.” Friedrich Nietzsche – “What I understand by “philosopher”: a terrible explosive in the presence of which everything is in danger.”

Practicing philosophical thinking involves: asking honest questions, putting beliefs to the test of experience (and other tests we will see), discussing our beliefs with others (esp. those who disagree). Doing these things can lead to conflict. With others Within ourselves

Philosophy helps one develop critical thinking skills: Carefully analyzing and evaluating your beliefs; Viewing situations from different perspectives; Supporting viewpoints with reasons and evidence; Critically evaluating the logic, relevance, and validity of information;

Qualities of critical thinkers: Open-minded Skilled discussant InsightfulSelf-aware CreativePassionate KnowledgeableMentally active CuriousIndependent thinker (Chaffee, 9)

Worldwide Context of Philosophy

Siddhartha Gautama (b. ca. 560 BC). Buddhism

We suffer because we desire certain things. We become attached to things. Buddhism

By accepting the reality of suffering and impermanence of life we can see things as they are – he called this “enlighten- ment.” Buddhism

Don’t let these anxieties (aging, sickness, death) dictate our lives. Buddhism

Giving up longing for these things we break the hold they have on us – the desire is “blown out.” Buddhism

This is Nirvana – the state of enlightenment that frees us from the control of these attachments – that which ties us to the cycle of life – death – rebirth. Buddhism

Taoism (Lao-tzu) The Tao is the Way of nature (life). It moves perfectly and effortlessly to fulfill its purpose. Wisdom lies in letting things happen rather than trying to make things happen.

Taoism (Lao-tzu) Withdraw from the stress and conflict of life and quietly contemplate nature and its way. Nature doesn’t have to work hard to turn night into day – it just happens.

Taoism (Lao-tzu) Water is gentle and yields to any pressure, but it can crack concrete when it freezes. If one can let the Tao direct, things will always turn out right.

Taoism (Lao-tzu)

Confucianism Confucius viewed government at that time as out of step with the way of “heaven.” He saw all of China out of harmony with the way – Tao. He gave practical advice on how to live.

Confucianism Emphasis on observing proper rituals, morality. Within personal relationships – friends/family Within the village – local rulers With the state – national rulers Confucius’ goal for people was to live nobly and compassionately in the world.

Confucianism Principle of Reciprocity Tzu Kung asked: “Is there any one word that can serve as a principle for the conduct of life?” Confucius said: “Perhaps the word, ‘reciprocity’: Do not do to others what you would not want others to do to you.” (Analects 15:23) [d. 479 BCE]