Introduction to Philosophy

Definition and Origin of Philosophy

• Philosophy derives from the Greek words "Philo" (love) and "Sophia" (wisdom).
• Thales is recognized as the father of Western Philosophy.

Knowledge and Reflection

• Epistemology is essential for acquiring and validating knowledge.
• Reflection involves examining thoughts, feelings, and actions to learn from experiences.

Branches of Philosophy

• Ethics is the science and art of correct thinking.
• Primary Reflection focuses on logical reasoning and evaluating arguments.
• Secondary Reflection encourages deeper examination of experiences to reveal broader realities.

Processes of Thought

• Reasoning is a logical process that leads to conclusions or judgments.
• Sense perception serves as the foundation for acquiring knowledge.

Truth and Beliefs

• Correspondence theory posits that beliefs are true if they align with actual states of affairs.
• Pragmatism considers beliefs justified by their practical outcomes and success.
• Coherence theory suggests that the validity of statements relies on their consistency with other beliefs.

Types of Statements

• Factual statements can be definitively proven as true or false.
• Opinions represent personal beliefs that may not be verifiable.

Philosophical Methods

• The Analytic method provides a framework for understanding the human relationship with the world.
• The Dialectic method seeks definitions through dialogue with knowledgeable individuals.

Argumentation and Fallacies

• Argumentum ad Hominem involves attacking the person rather than the argument.
• Argumentum ad Baculum is based on appeals to force or authority.
• Argumentum ad Misercordiam appeals to emotions, particularly pity.
• Fallacies are erroneous arguments derived from faulty reasoning.

Evaluating Sources: CARS Checklist

• Credibility: Assess the believability of the source.
• Accuracy: Ensure the information is factual and up-to-date.
• Reasonableness: Check for fairness and consistency.
• Support: Verify if the information can be corroborated.

Evaluating Websites

• Assess the type of URL for information legitimacy (.gov, .edu, .com, .org, ~).
• Consider the publisher's potential agendas or biases.
• Evaluate the author's credentials to gauge expertise.
• Review the site's structure for logical organization and ease of navigation.
• Analyze the language for any inappropriate or confusing elements.
• Check for spelling and grammatical errors as indicators of quality.
• Verify the publication or update dates for relevancy.
• Scrutinize graphics for their informational value versus distraction.
• Examine links for supportive and contradictory information.

Concepts of Human Existence

• Humans are understood as a unity of body and spirit, reflecting the concept of human embodiment.
• Christian philosophy views the body and soul as inseparable, emphasizing the idea of "embodied spirit."

Self-Concepts

• The Cognitive Self encompasses internal aspects like beliefs, desires, dreams, and intentions (THE WHAT OF A PERSON).
• The Physical Self pertains to observable attributes and comprises essential features of personal identity (THE WHO OF A PERSON).