Overview
This lecture introduces the meaning, origins, and main branches of philosophy, emphasizing its role in questioning, understanding, and examining life’s deepest concerns.
The Nature and Meaning of Philosophy
- Philosophy comes from Greek words “philos” (love) and “sophia” (wisdom) meaning “love of wisdom.”
- Philosophy investigates the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles that govern all things using human reason.
- A philosopher seeks truth by asking questions, exploring beyond surface meanings, and remaining open to new ideas.
Philosophy in Daily Life
- Practicing philosophy involves identifying problems, asking questions, considering possible solutions, and facing consequences.
- Philosophy is about continuous questioning and searching for meaning.
Philosophy as Framework, Examination, and Discipline
- Philosophy can serve as a personal framework—guiding how we view and solve problems.
- It is used to examine knowledge in all disciplines (science, history, economics).
- As a discipline, philosophy has its own methods, questions, and areas of study.
Historical Origins of Philosophy
- Western philosophy began in ancient Greece, especially in the city of Miletus.
- Thales of Miletus is regarded as the first philosopher, seeking unity in the diversity of the world.
- Philosophical traditions also originated in India; “Buddha” means “one who is awake” to true reality.
Branches of Philosophy
- Philosophy is divided into cognitive branches (concerned with knowledge and being) and normative branches (concerned with standards and values).
Cognitive Branches
- Logic: the science of correct thinking and reasoning; includes deductive (general to specific) and inductive (specific to general) reasoning.
- Epistemology: study of knowledge, including its sources (rationalism vs. empiricism), criteria, and scope.
- Metaphysics: study of the ultimate nature of reality.
Normative Branches
- Ethics: study of right and wrong human behavior; moral philosophy.
- Political Philosophy: study of society, politics, and the state.
- Aesthetics: study of beauty, art, and sensory experiences.
Application Exercise: Identifying Branches
- Questions about knowledge relate to epistemology.
- Questions about freedom and morality relate to ethics.
- Questions about beauty relate to aesthetics.
- Questions about God’s existence relate to philosophy of religion.
- Questions about life’s meaning relate to philosophical anthropology.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Philosophy — love of wisdom; study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values.
- Epistemology — theory of knowledge, its sources, and validity.
- Metaphysics — study of the nature of reality and existence.
- Logic — science of correct reasoning.
- Ethics — study of moral values and behavior.
- Aesthetics — philosophy of art and beauty.
- Political Philosophy — study of society, government, and political structures.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete the graphic organizer: write words/phrases you associate with “philosophy.”
- Analyze and match provided questions to the correct branch of philosophy.
- Prepare for the next lesson on deeper philosophical explorations.