What is Philosophy?

What do you think philosophy is? A perspective Theory Worldview Belief system Ideas about life / how we should live it

What is characteristic of philosophical questions? No right or wrong answer No obvious method for resolving disputes Questions the nature of life and existence Questions beliefs about good or bad Big ideas

So what does ‘philosophy’ really mean?

Some general ideas about philosophy: Philosophy is like theory Having a theory on something is like taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture Theory is different from practice: theory is what you can learn by talking, reading, or looking at something; practice is what you learn by doing.

Philosophy (etymology): The original Greek word, philosophia, means that which loves or pursues (philo) wisdom (sophia).

What does it mean to love or pursue wisdom? Wisdom is the goal What is wisdom? The comprehensive grasp of a subject (global perspective); Ability to make good decisions or arrive at a new understanding. To pursue or love something implies that you do not currently possess it. The philosopher is in an intermediate position between wisdom and lack of wisdom

Is philosophy a subject? What does philosophy study? What is its methodology? Why don’t you learn philosophy in High School?

Philosophy (working definition): Philosophy is a discipline or study that seeks to understand the most fundamental things and the most general things. It investigates: elements, causes, principles, and norms. It seeks to make connections and study the relationships between different subjects.

Areas of philosophy: Epistemology: a theory of knowledge. Metaphysics: a theory about what exists. Philosophy of science Philosophy of law Philosophy of mind Social and political philosophy Ethics Aesthetics History of philosophy

Epistemology Theory of knowledge Studies perception and cognition: how do we know what we know? Provides an answer to skepticism: a justification of knowledge.

Metaphysics Ontology Studies what kinds of things exist in the world Tries to determine what basic concepts are necessary for other disciplines, like science, art, history, politics, etc.

Normativity How we define what is ‘good’? How do we determine the basis for placing value in things? How do we define the goal(s) of human activities?

Logic The study of arguments: containing premises (evidence) and a conclusion. Validity: if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true. Soundness: the premises are true and the argument is valid. Induction: contains a degree of truth. Deduction: is absolutely certain.

The Philosopher’s toolkit: Conceptual analysis: careful definition of concepts, what they refer to, and their content (that differs from other concepts). Arguments: deductive or inductive, provides evidence for conclusions. Ordinary language, intuition, and common sense: What do we normally mean by these concepts? What makes the most sense?

Some philosophical questions Is there a God? What is right? Good? Just? What is knowledge? Truth? What is a mind? What is the nature of time? What is art?

What is the use of philosophy? Philosophers address questions that are directly relevant to us, questions of value, ethics, truth, God, and the meaning of life. Studying philosophy teaches you to justify your beliefs, defend them, and critically evaluate claims made by other people. Philosophers use problem solving skills that are useful in all sorts of professions and contexts.

Philosophical skills and methods: Philosophical problems do not have determined answers or defined methods. The following lists some very general rules or suggestions about how to approach philosophical questions. Analyze and clarify: first, we have to clarify the nature of the problem, define terms, and analyze the meaning of those terms. Propose solutions: philosophers have to be creative in proposing solutions to problems that don’t have definitive answers. Evaluate proposed solutions: philosophers have to step back and evaluate the merits of all proposed solutions.

Philosophy as a “way of life” Socrates (469 – 399 BCE) Early Greek schools of philosophy: Platonism, Aristotelianism, Epicurianism, Stoicism, Skepticism, Cynicism Way of thinking, way of living Dietary restrictions, rules of conduct Academy: a communal place of living, eating, and teaching and learning (masters and students)

What is the goal of philosophy? The true, the beautiful, and the good. Philosophy is concerned with a right understanding of the natural and human world. Philosophical truths have an elegance, simplicity, or profundity that are beautiful. The way of life and commitment to the truth that characterizes a philosopher’s perspective is fundamentally motivated by living a good life, being happy or fulfilled.