1. Introduction to Philosophy Lecture 1 What is philosophy?
By David Kelsey

2. What is philosophy?
Philosophy is the systematic investigation into the foundational concepts and principles of any subject matter.

3. The tasks of philosophy
A philosopher investigates the concepts and principles of any subject matter by use of: Conceptual analysis & Argumentation
Conceptual analysis is the analysis of concepts.
Concepts and their extensions

4. Analytical Definitions: their form
An Analytical definition is composed of a definiendum and a definiens.
For a definition to be correct the definiendum and definiens must be co-extensive.

5. Testing definitions Testing definitions, some examples
Car = 4 wheeled vehicle one can drive
Love = a deep seated feeling composed of compassion & care which one can have for another human being.

6. Inferences
Deductive inferences vs. Inductive inferences

7. Statements Statements are propositions are the meanings of sentences
Literal vs. Intended meaning

8. A second example in Sarcasm
Consider that I say sarcastically about my very messy roommate that “he always takes the trash out.”

9. Arguments An argument is a position supported by reasons for its truth
A position is a stance on an issue

10. Three arguments
Consider the issue of whether there is intelligent life in the universe outside of Earth.
Consider the issue or whether the Safety Belt law is just.
Consider the issue of whether Mac computers are better than PCs.

11. More on arguments Arguments are composed of conclusions and premises:
We can find arguments by looking for premise and conclusion indicators