Introduction to Philosophy

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Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between empiricism and rationalism?

  • Empiricism derives knowledge from sense experience, while rationalism derives knowledge from reason. (correct)
  • Empiricism relies on logic while rationalism relies on experience.
  • Empiricism deals with abstract concepts, while rationalism deals with tangible evidence.
  • Empiricism is solely focused on mathematics, while rationalism is focused on sensory experiences.

Who is considered the first philosopher to devise a logical method?

  • John Dewey
  • William James
  • René Descartes
  • Aristotle (correct)

What does aesthetics study?

  • The branch of philosophy concerned with art, beauty, and taste. (correct)
  • The science of mathematics and reasoning.
  • The practicality of moral decisions in life.
  • The nature of reality and existence.

Which philosophical approach focuses on the individual's choices and freedom?

<p>Existentialism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phenomenological method aim to achieve?

<p>To continually revise perceptions of reality by focusing on consciousness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, what should individuals practice to determine truth?

<p>Critical evaluation of their beliefs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is linked with the foundation of phenomenology?

<p>Edmund Husserl (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the idea of postmodernism regarding truth?

<p>Truth is culturally relative and not absolute. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Philosophia' literally mean?

<p>Love of Wisdom (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following branches of philosophy deals with moral principles?

<p>Ethics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of deontological theory primarily focus on?

<p>Moral duties and rules (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a central question addressed by metaphysics?

<p>What is reality? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which ethical position is the moral choice determined by the consequences benefiting the majority?

<p>Teleological Theory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of epistemology in philosophy?

<p>Nature and validity of knowledge (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical position argues that actions are morally right if they are accepted by societal norms?

<p>Relativism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental question would most likely be associated with virtue ethics?

<p>What does it mean to live a good life? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Philosophy Overview

  • Originates from the Greek word “Philosophia,” combining Philo (love) and Sophia (wisdom), translating to "Love of Wisdom."
  • Involves a systematic study addressing fundamental questions about existence, reason, knowledge, values, mind, and language.

Approaches to Philosophy

  • Scientific Approach: Employs systematic methods for inquiry.
  • Natural Light of Reason: Utilizes inherent human capacity for thinking and observation.
  • Comprehensive Study: Distinction established between philosophy and sciences.

Philosopher Definition

  • An intellectual dedicated to seeking wisdom or enlightenment.

Principles in Philosophy

Metaphysics

  • Concerned with concepts of thought, existence, reality, and abstract ideas.
  • Raises fundamental questions: "What is reality?" "Why does reality exist?" and "How does it exist?"
  • Notable views: Thales' assertion "Everything is water" and Plato's belief that physical sensations are illusory.

Ethics

  • Examines the nature of moral virtue and evaluates moral principles.
  • Focuses on questions of honor and happiness.

Five Main Positions of Ethics

  • Natural Law/Divine Command: Queries principles guiding humanity towards happiness (e.g., the Ten Commandments).
  • Teleological Theory: Advocates for actions benefiting the greater number of people; emphasizes the consequences of pleasure.
  • Deontological Theory: Centers on duty irrespective of personal feelings; highlights moral duties (e.g., therapist confidentiality dilemmas).
  • Virtue Ethics: Focuses on character development beyond materialism; queries what constitutes a good life.
  • Relativism: Claims actions are morally acceptable within societal norms; cultural practices vary in moral judgement.

Epistemology

  • Investigates the nature, sources, limitations, and validity of knowledge.
  • Derived from Greek terms epistēmē (knowledge) and logos (reason).
  • Fundamental question: “How do we acquire reliable knowledge?”

Types of Human Knowledge

  • Empiricism: Knowledge gained through sensory experience; associated with John Locke.
  • Rationalism: Knowledge derived from rational thought and logic; linked with philosophers like William James, John Dewey, and René Descartes.

Logic

  • Originates from the Greek word “logike,” concerning reasoning.
  • Promotes critical thinking; Aristotle emphasized evaluating beliefs rather than accepting them as truth.

Aesthetics

  • Studies the nature and appreciation of beauty and art.
  • Considers questions such as "What is beauty?"
  • Importance of aesthetics includes enriching knowledge, fostering genuine living, and connecting with culture.

Methods of Philosophizing

Philosophizing

  • Involves rational and logical thought, examining matters philosophically.

Various Philosophical Perspectives

  • Phenomenology: Examines truth based on personal consciousness and appearance; founded by Edmund Husserl.
  • Existentialism: Emphasizes personal freedom and responsibility for defining purpose; viewed as an outlook on life.
  • Postmodernism: Accepts the idea that truth is not absolute, often influenced by cultural contexts.
  • Logic: Bases truth on reasoning and critical evaluation.

Key Figures

  • Immanuel Kant: German philosopher known for discussing the nature of experience.
  • Edmund Husserl: Established phenomenology as a philosophical method, focusing on consciousness.

Phenomenological Method

  • Involves continual refinement of reality perceptions by filtering out non-essential elements.

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