Introduction to Philosophy of the Human Person

Introduction to Philosophy of the Human Person

• This field of study delves into the core principles and characteristics of human existence.

Essential Characteristics of a Philosopher

• Curiosity: A keen desire to learn and explore.
• Dynamic: Actively engaging and involved in the process.
• Independent: Thinking critically and forming own opinions.
• Listen/Teachable: Open-minded to differing viewpoints.
• Determined: Persistent in seeking knowledge.
• Doubtful: Questioning assumptions and beliefs.
• Logical: Reasoning clearly and systematically.
• Humility: Recognizing limits and acknowledging uncertainties.
• Ability to reason: Using logic and critical thinking.
• Sense of wonder: Appreciating the complexities and mysteries of life.

Holistic Thinking

• A perspective considering large-scale patterns in systems.
• Requires an open mindset and the ability to understand the overall sense of a situation.

Partial Thinking

• Focusing on specific aspects or parts of a situation.
• Essential part of analytical thinking, helping to understand complex issues.

Connecting Parts to the Whole

• Understanding the entirety of a matter requires considering all related aspects.
• Example analogy: different parts of an elephant represent different facets of a concept. (Body=Wall, Trunk=Snake, etc.)

Importance of Asking Questions

• Crucial for verifying understanding and challenging perceptions.
• A way to gain deeper insights and understanding reality.

Four Main Branches of Philosophy

• Epistemology: Exploration and study of knowledge.
• Metaphysics: Addresses fundamental principles and the nature of reality.
• Ethics/Axiology: Deals with moral principles and values.
• Aesthetics: Focuses on beauty, art, and taste.

Epistemology

• Examines the theory of knowledge.
• Focuses on methods, validity, and scope of knowledge.
• Differentiates justified belief from opinion.

Questions that Epistemology Addresses

• What is knowledge?
• How do we know what we know?
• Why do we need to think?
• Are humans the only beings who can think and reason?

Metaphysics

• The branch of philosophy exploring fundamental concepts of reality.
• Investigates questions like existence, being, causation, and others.

Questions that Metaphysics Addresses

• What is the meaning of life?
• What is consciousness?
• What is our place in the universe?
• Does God exist?

Ethics/Axiology

• Explores moral principles, values, and valuation.
• Focuses on the kinds of things considered valuable.

Questions that Ethics/Axiology Addresses

• 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?

Aesthetics

• The branch of philosophy focusing on beauty and taste.

Questions that Aesthetics Addresses

• What makes something beautiful?
• What is a work of art?
• Can art be a vehicle of truth?

Philo Challenge

• Encourage thoughtful exploration, independent analysis before relying on internet searches.