Filo Notes: Introduction to Philosophy

Definition of Philosophy

Etymological Definition:
- Comes from Greek words:
  - Philia: love
  - Sophia: wisdom
- Meaning: Love of wisdom
- Love: Strong desire for knowledge
- Wisdom: Correct application of knowledge

Philosophy as a science that studies beings and their ultimate causes, reasons, and principles through human reason.
Beings: All that exists (e.g., stones, trees, persons, concepts of God, soul, spirits).
Basic questions in philosophy:
- What is the origin of everything?
- Why do things exist?
- Is there a God?
- What is the meaning and purpose of life?
- Is euthanasia morally right?
Philosophy uses reason for critical and logical understanding.
Different philosophers have varying definitions of philosophy.
- Example: Karl Jaspers believes questions are more important than answers.

Metaphysics
- Etymology:
  - Meta: beyond/after
  - Physica: physical/nature
- Study of things beyond the physical (e.g., God, freedom, soul).
- Subdivisions:
  - General Metaphysics (Ontology): Study of being and existence.
    - Basic questions: What is being? Why do things exist?
  - Special Metaphysics:
    - Cosmology: Study of the universe's origin and laws.
    - Psychology: Study of the soul/mind and human nature.
    - Theodicy: Study of God and justification of evil's existence.
Epistemology
- Etymology:
  - Episteme: knowledge
  - Logos: study
- Study of the nature and scope of knowledge and justified belief.
- Basic questions: What is knowledge? How is it acquired?
Logic
- Etymology: Logos: reason/study.
- Study of principles of valid argument and reasoning.
- Basic questions: What distinguishes good arguments from bad ones?
Ethics
- Etymology: Ethos: custom/habit.
- Study of morality and how humans ought to act.
- Basic questions: What is the right conduct? What is a good life?