Introduction to Philosophy of Human Person

Course Overview

• Introduction to philosophical reflection, exploring a holistic view of life.
• Emphasis on critical thinking, questioning, and understanding human experiences.
• Topics include embodiment, freedom, intersubjectivity, sociality, and death.

Course Objectives

• Reflect holistically on daily experiences.
• Acquire critical and analytical thinking skills.
• Apply these skills practically in everyday life.
• Develop a commitment to truthfulness, environmental consciousness, and service.
• Contribute to the creation of a more humane society.
• Articulate a personal philosophy of life.

Etymology and Definition of Philosophy

• Derived from Greek "philosophia," meaning the love of wisdom.
• Systematized study of existence, reason, knowledge, values, mind, and language.
• Philosophy involves questioning, reasoning, and seeking understanding beyond conventional views.

Origin of Philosophy

• Birthplace of Western philosophy is Greece, also known as Classical Philosophy.
• Emerged from a trading civilization rather than an agricultural society.
• Developed as a counterpoint to mythology, addressing moral qualities of gods.
• Required to craft ideal political constitutions.

Thales: The First Philosopher

• From Miletus, Ionia; considered the first philosopher.
• Shifted from mythological explanations to hypotheses about natural phenomena.
• Regarded as the Father of Science for initiating physics.

Philosophical Identity: Sophos vs. Philosophos

• Intellectuals known as "sophos" (sages); Pythagoras introduced "philosopho" (lover of wisdom).
• Socratic Paradox: True wisdom is recognizing one's own ignorance.

How to Philosophize

• Recognize ignorance and existence as the starting point for philosophical inquiry.
• Formulate open questions aimed at rational discussion and disagreement.

Types of Philosophical Reflection

• Primary Reflection: Constructing and evaluating arguments, focusing on definitions and technical solutions.
• Secondary Reflection: Deeper exploration of experiences to see the overall reality and integrate fragmented experiences.

Logical Reasoning

• Logical reasoning involves forming conclusions based on credible evidence.
• Deductive Reasoning: General to specific conclusions.
• Inductive Reasoning: Specific examples leading to general conclusions.

Debate and Dialogue in Philosophy

• Philosophical ideas typically meet skepticism and counter-arguments rather than unanimous agreement.
• Philosophers often disagree on various philosophical aspects.

Why We Philosophize

• Search for explanations and meanings is inherent to human nature.
• Philosophy aims to achieve happiness, as it addresses the despair stemming from ignorance.

Branches of Philosophy

• Metaphysics: Studies existence, properties, and causality.
• Cosmology: Explores the universe.
• Ontology: Focuses on living entities.
• Epistemology: Investigates the nature and scope of knowledge.
• Axiology: Concerns itself with notions of goodness and value.
• Ethics: Systematizes and recommends right and wrong behaviors.
• Aesthetics: Examines beauty, taste, and art philosophy.
• Logic: Evaluates forms of reasoning and argumentation.
• Political Philosophy: Studies government ethics and legitimacy.
• Phenomenology: Explores consciousness and experience structures.

Philosophical Traditions

• Analytic Philosophy: Highlights linguistic analysis and formal logic.
• Continental Philosophy: Emphasizes human experience, culture, and societal issues.

This quiz provides an overview of the foundations of philosophical reflection and the exploration of human existence. It covers key philosophical figures, questions, and methods that have influenced our understanding of life and relationships. Engage with essential questions about being, embodiment, and our connections with others.