Introduction to Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions regarding existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.

Metaphysics
- Studies the nature of reality, existence, and the universe.
- Key concepts include being, substance, and causality.
Epistemology
- Examines the nature and scope of knowledge.
- Deals with questions about belief, truth, and justification.
Ethics
- Focuses on moral values and principles.
- Divided into:
  - Normative Ethics: What constitutes right action.
  - Meta-Ethics: Nature of moral judgments.
  - Applied Ethics: Practical application of ethical principles.
Logic
- Studies valid reasoning and argumentation.
- Involves the evaluation of arguments and the principles of valid inference.
Aesthetics
- Concerned with the nature of beauty, art, and taste.
- Questions what constitutes artistic value and experience.
Political Philosophy
- Explores concepts of justice, rights, and the role of government.
- Examines the relationship between individuals and societies.

Socrates: Emphasized the importance of questioning and dialogue.
Plato: Founded the Academy; introduced the Theory of Forms.
Aristotle: Developed logic and various scientific methods; focused on empirical observation.
Immanuel Kant: Explored the relationship between human experience and knowledge.
Friedrich Nietzsche: Critiqued morality and religion; introduced concepts like "will to power".

Existentialism: Focuses on individual existence and freedom.
Utilitarianism: Ethical theory that promotes actions that maximize happiness.
Rationalism: Belief in reason as the primary source of knowledge.
Empiricism: Emphasizes knowledge through sensory experience.
Phenomenology: Studies structures of consciousness as experienced from the first-person perspective.

Socratic Method: A form of cooperative argumentative dialogue to stimulate critical thinking.
Analytic Philosophy: Emphasizes clarity and logical structure in philosophical arguments.
Continental Philosophy: Focuses on historical context and subjective human experience.

Philosophy influences various fields including science, politics, religion, and art, providing a foundation for critical thinking and ethical reasoning.

Philosophy investigates fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.

Metaphysics:
- Explores ultimate reality and existence; key concepts include being, substance, and causality.
Epistemology:
- Concerns the nature and scope of knowledge, addressing beliefs, truth, and the justification of claims.
Ethics:
- Analyzes moral values and principles, subdivided into:
  - Normative Ethics: Defines what is right action.
  - Meta-Ethics: Investigates the nature of moral judgments.
  - Applied Ethics: Focuses on the practical application of ethical theories.
Logic:
- Studies valid reasoning and argumentation, emphasizing evaluation and principles of inference.
Aesthetics:
- Examines the nature of beauty, art, and taste, questioning artistic value and experiences.
Political Philosophy:
- Investigates concepts of justice, rights, and governmental roles, focusing on the individual's relationship with society.

Socrates: Advocated for questioning and dialogue as essential for understanding.
Plato: Established the Academy and developed the Theory of Forms, influencing Western thought.
Aristotle: Pioneered logical analysis and empirical research, setting foundations for various scientific methods.
Immanuel Kant: Inquired into the relationship between human experience and knowledge, significantly influencing modern philosophy.
Friedrich Nietzsche: Challenged traditional morality and religion, introducing concepts such as the "will to power".

Existentialism: Centers on individual existence, freedom, and the quest for meaning.
Utilitarianism: Aims to maximize overall happiness through ethical actions.
Rationalism: Posits reason as the principal source of true knowledge.
Empiricism: Argues that knowledge arises from sensory experiences.
Phenomenology: Studies consciousness structures as perceived firsthand.

Socratic Method: A dialectical approach promoting critical thinking through dialogue.
Analytic Philosophy: Focuses on clarity and rigorous logical structure in argumentation.
Continental Philosophy: Emphasizes historical context and the subjective nature of human experience.