Introduction to Philosophy

What is Philosophy?

• Per the Oxford Languages Dictionary, philosophy involves studying the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, particularly within an academic context.
• According to Encyclopedia Britannica, philosophy entails the rational, abstract, and methodical consideration of reality, encompassing fundamental aspects of human existence and experience.
• Philosophical inquiry plays a central role in the intellectual development of many civilizations.
• Philosophy comes from the Greek words "philo", meaning love, and "sophia", meaning wisdom.
• Love of wisdom.
• Asking questions helps verify if perceptions align with reality.

5 Main Branches of Philosophy

• Aesthetics
• Epistemology
• Metaphysics
• Ethics/Axiology
• Logic

Aesthetics

• Aesthetics is a set of principles that deals with the nature and appreciation of beauty, especially in art.
• Aesthetic things are objects that are appreciated for their beauty.
• This includes art, architecture, design, crafts and other elements of human creative expression.
• It encompasses the philosophical study of beauty and taste.
• It is the branch of philosophy dealing with beauty and harmony.
• The word "aesthetics" comes from the Greek "aisthetikos", which means "of sense perception".
• Also known as philosophy of art.
• Common questions include: What makes something beautiful? What is a work of art? Can art be a vehicle of truth?

Epistemology

• Epistemology is the theory of knowledge, its methods, validity, and scope, and what distinguishes justified belief from opinion.
• It entails the philosophical study of the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge.
• The term is derived from the Greek epistēmē (“knowledge”) and logos ("reason"). The field is often called the theory of knowledge.
• Common questions include: What is knowledge? How is it possible to know that we know something? Why do we need to think? Are humans the only beings who can think and reason?

Metaphysics

• Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy dealing with the first principles of things.
• This includes abstract concepts such as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space.
• Common questions include: What is the meaning of life? What is consciousness? What is our place in the universe? Does God exist?

Ethics/Axiology

• Ethics/Axiology is the branch of knowledge dealing with moral principles.
• It is the study of the nature of value and valuation, and of the kinds of things that are valuable.
• Common questions include: Would you risk your life to save another person? Do you consider yourself an ethical person? Would you risk someone’s life for the sake of many? Can there be morality without God?

Logic

• Logic studies systematic thinking and argumentation to have a sound argument.
• It is the branch of philosophy dealing with correct reasoning.
• Common questions include: Is the mind the same as the brain, or do we have souls? Should prostitution be made legal? If super-intelligent aliens want to eat humans, are they wrong?

Explore the definition and origins of philosophy, derived from the Greek words for 'love of wisdom'. Discover the 5 main branches: Aesthetics, Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics/Axiology, and Logic. Understand how philosophical inquiry drives intellectual development.