1. The Branches of Philosophy
By: Anna O'Neil

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

5. Epistemology
First, lets think about
Epistemology...

6. 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.

7. 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”

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

9. Next we will look at the branch of Philosophy: Metaphysics

10. 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.

11. 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

13. 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

14. 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?

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

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

17. 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?

18. Aesthetics
What do you think makes good art?

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

20. 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

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

22. Check it out!
click this link to continue to my philosophy blog to explore fun and interactive content