PhiloNotes Lecture: What is Philosophy?

Definition of Philosophy

• Etymology:
  • Comes from Greek words:
    • Philia: love
    • Sophia: wisdom
  • Meaning: Love of Wisdom
• Understanding:
  • Strong desire for knowledge and correct application of it.

Historical Context

• Ancient philosophers (e.g., Socrates, Gautama Buddha, Confucius, Lao Tzu) were often seen as sages or wise men.

Traditional Definition

• Philosophy is a science studying beings in their ultimate causes, reasons, and principles through human reason alone.
• Beings: Includes all that exists (material & immaterial).
  • Examples: stones, trees, people, air, water, concepts of God, soul, spirits.

Key Philosophical Questions

• Origin of the world and existence.
• Existence of God and the problem of evil.
• Meaning and purpose of life.
• Morality of euthanasia or assisted suicide.

Reason as a Tool

• Philosophy uses reason expressed in various forms (reflection, questioning, articulation).
• Philosophy seeks to understand things critically and logically.

Diverse Definitions

• Philosophers do not agree on one definition.
• Example: Karl Jaspers views philosophy as prioritizing questions over answers.

Major Branches of Philosophy

1. Metaphysics

   • Etymology:
     • From Greek: Meta (beyond) + Physica (nature).
   • Study of things beyond the physical (e.g., concepts of God, freedom, soul).
   • Subdivisions:
     • General Metaphysics (Ontology)
       • Studies beings, ultimate causes, and principles.
       • Questions: What is being? Why do things exist?
     • Special Metaphysics:
       • Cosmology: Study of the universe (origin, dynamics, characteristics).
         • Questions: What is the world's origin? Is the universe infinite?
       • Psychology: Study of the soul/mind.
         • Questions: What is human nature? Is there life after death?
       • Theodicy: Study of God and justification of His goodness amid evil.
         • Questions: Does God exist? How can we justify evil?

2. Epistemology

   • Etymology:
     • From Greek: Episteme (knowledge) + Logos (study).
   • Study of the nature and scope of knowledge and justified belief.
   • Questions: What is knowledge? How is it acquired?

3. Logic

   • Etymology:
     • From Greek: Logos (study of reasoning).
   • Science of correct thinking and valid arguments.
   • Questions: What distinguishes a good argument from a bad one? How to detect fallacies?

4. Ethics

   • Etymology:
     • From Greek: Ethos (custom/habit).
   • Concerned with morality of human actions and right conduct.
   • Questions: What constitutes right conduct? What is a good life?

Conclusion

• Philosophy is a vast field with many branches, each addressing fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, reasoning, and morality.
• Ongoing learning and exploration in philosophy is encouraged in future sessions at PhiloNotes.