Introduction to Philosophy

Study Notes

Philosophy's Greek Origins: The word "philosophy" comes from the Greek words "philos" (love/admiration/appreciation) and "sophia" (wisdom). A "sophist" is a wise person or expert, sometimes a trickster.
Metaphysics: The study of reality. It investigates what is apparent and what is real. Lavine describes it as the study of interaction between two entities, examining the mind and comparing to physics.
Epistemology: The study of knowledge. Rene Descartes, a key figure in this branch, famously stated, "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"). This quote highlights the importance of introspection in gaining knowledge.
Ethics, Political Philosophy, and Logic:
- Ethics: Seeks to define the highest good for human beings. It explores the existence of an absolute good.
- Political Philosophy: Examines the ideal forms of government and the principles justifying a government's power.
- Logic: Deals with reason and the meaning of things.

Rival Theories: Theories that oppose each other, sometimes contradicting one another directly; they contest the same ideas in philosophy.
Four Elements of a Theory of Human Nature (Thirteen Theories):
- Background in Metaphysics: Understanding the universe and humanity's role in it.
- Theory of Human Nature: General claims about human beings and societal circumstances.
- Diagnosis of Human Defects: Identifying flaws or weaknesses in human nature.
- Prescription for Improvement: Suggestions on how to correct human flaws and improve societal circumstances

Defensive Mechanisms in Closed Systems:
- Rejecting evidence: Refusing to consider any contradictory evidence.
- Explaining away critique: Providing alternate explanations to avoid acknowledging criticisms.
Responding to Criticism (Thirteen Theories): Stevenson argues that responding to criticism should focus on the merits of the argument and avoid addressing the critic's motivations. Critical discussion should be rational, open-ended, and focused on the ideas themselves.

Ideology's Makeup: An ideology is a way of life. Some individuals resist questioning their ideology due to psychological distress or fear of losing their sense of purpose and identity.
Challenging Commitment: Stevenson advocates for acknowledging commitment without avoiding engagement in critical thinking. Critiques are not attempts to make one abandon their personal beliefs, but rather are part of rational discussion.