1. Introduction to Philosophy Introduction to Philosophy Jason M. Chang

2. Lecture Outline 1. Defining philosophy 2. Relevance of philosophy 3. Beginnings of philosophy

3. Defining Philosophy Literal translation (from Greek) Questions of philosophy o Irresolvable o Interminable o Inescapable

4. Defining Philosophy Branches of philosophy o Metaphysics o Epistemology o Ethics o Aesthetics o Logic o Scope of these branches  The Wikipedia test (http://en.wikipedia.org)http://en.wikipedia.org

5. Defining Philosophy Answers in philosophy o Wrong ways to arrive at answers o Right way to arrive at answers Aim of philosophy o Different from religion and science

6. Defining Philosophy A discipline that aims at truth about or understanding of reality, existence, and meaning through disciplined reasoning Red – the aim Blue – the topics Yellow – the method

7. Relevance of Philosophy Why study philosophy? 1. Critical thinking skills 2. Skills in argumentation 3. Communication skills 4. To be like Bruce Lee To be like Bruce Lee 5. Plato’s answer Source: http://www.scu.edu/cas/philosophy/whystudy.cfm

8. Relevance of Philosophy - Plato’s answer Introduction to Plato Plato’s cave o “Imagine a dark scene…” Plato 427-347 BC

9. Relevance of Philosophy - Plato’s answer Prisoners in the cave o Features of the prisoners o Prisoners as a metaphor for what? Escapee who ascends the cave o Features of the escapee o Escapee as a metaphor for what?

10. Relevance of Philosophy - Plato’s answer The importance of philosophy for Plato Frees us from our prejudices Enlarges our understanding of the True and Good Part of a well-lived human life

11. Beginnings of Philosophy Introduction to Socrates Socrates 469-399 BC

12. Beginnings of Philosophy Why is Socrates important? Represents philosophy (and the examined life) Challenged others to live the examined life Willing to die for philosophy

13. Beginnings of Philosophy Socrates’ mission in life Origins of his mission o Oracle of Delphi’s proclamation o Recognition of corruption and ignorance o Twofold mission

14. Beginnings of Philosophy Carrying out his mission Challenge to Athenians Socratic method Public reception of Socrates’ actions

15. Beginnings of Philosophy Socrates’ trial and execution Official charges Socrates in jail Socrates’ execution (399 BC)