Introduction to Philosophy: Holistic Perspective

Introduction to Philosophy

• Philosophy stems from Greek words philos (love) and sophia (wisdom)
• Ancient Greeks used this term for the love of wisdom and the study using reason to understand ultimate causes, reasons, and principles governing things.
• Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.

Objectives

• Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view
• Realize the value of philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life
• Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective

Lesson 1: The Holistic and Partial Point of View

• Holistic thinking considers large-scale patterns in systems
• Holistic perspective requires an open mindset and the ability to get a general sense/impression about a situation
• Partial thinking focuses on specific aspects of a situation
• Partial view is an important component of analytical thinking

Notable Ancient Greek Philosophers

• Pythagoras (570 BCE - 495 BCE): Mathematician and scientist credited with the Pythagorean theorem
• Heraclitus (535 BCE - 475 BCE): Proposed everything is based on a higher order/plan which he called logos
• Democritus (460 BCE - 370 BCE): Studied the causes of natural phenomena
• Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE - 323 BCE): Advocate of a simple and virtuous life
• Epicurus (341 BCE - 270 BCE): Believed philosophy enables a life of happiness
• Socrates (470 BCE - 399 BCE): Foremost philosopher of ancient times, formulated the Socratic method to examine topics through questioning
• Plato (427 BCE - 347 BCE): Student of Socrates, wrote down his mentor's teachings and developed his own, including the Theory of Forms (everything exists based on an idea/template) and dialectic (method of inquiry)
• Aristotle (384 BCE - 322 BCE): Prominent student of Plato, believed all ideas/views are based on perception, developed logic and deductive reasoning

The Value of Doing Philosophy in Obtaining a Broad Perspective on Life

• Humans have a natural tendency to wonder and doubt, driving the need to philosophize
• Philosophers are good communicators who clearly present their ideas
• Philosophy is applied in everyday activities by evaluating and reflecting on different aspects of a situation

Doing Philosophical Reflection

• "Life is not a bed of roses" implies human life is often fraught with challenges.

• Reflection is important for examining thoughts, feelings, and actions to improve self-understanding.

• Philosophy aids daily lives by developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Philosophy allows for precise and clear communication of ideas during discussions and debates

• Philosophical reflection leads to self-development through gaining a better understanding of one's strengths, weaknesses, values, purpose, identity, and place amidst the community, nation, and world.

• Plato and others traced the need for philosophy back to the human sense of wonder and the need to understand how events come about (doubt).

• Karl Jaspers argued that philosophy is necessary to address and gain perspective by rising above challenging experiences.

Doing Philosophy in daily life

• Includes having a holistic point of view
• Enhances knowledge and wisdom by guiding the application of knowledge to daily life situations in order to make sound choices.
• Encourages self-development.
• Gaining a holistic point of view is important before any conclusions are made.
• Helps in learning from mistakes