Introduction to Philosophy of the Human Person

Study Notes

The meaning/definition of philosophy is explored.
Philosophy is derived from the Latin word "de-fenire," meaning "to state the limits of" or "to enclose within limits.
Defining something involves limiting it, understanding its nature, or identifying its extent.

Defining a thing limits it by unfolding its nature, extracting its limits, or encompassing its inclusion and extensions.
The Latin word de-fenire suggests that a definition outlines boundaries.

Nominal Definition: This type of definition focuses on the name or term of a thing, limiting it based on its name/term.
- Subcategories:
  - Etymological: A nominal definition drawing from the origin or derivation of the name/term. Example: Defining "definition" from its Latin origins.
  - Vernacular: A nominal definition based on common usage and understanding of the name/term. Example: Defining "love" as commonly understood.
Real Definition: This type of definition considers the thing itself, its essence, and attributes.
- Subcategories:
  - Intrinsic: A real definition based on the essential qualities or nature of a thing.
  - Extrinsic: A real definition based on the accidents or non-essential characteristics of a thing.
  - Descriptive: A real definition that identifies the non-essential qualities of a thing; those that may be present but are not essential (e.g., "man is a smiling being").

The term "philosophy" was introduced by Pythagoras, who was Italian by birth, along with Parmenides and Zeno.
Etymologically, philosophy comes from the Greek words philia (love/friendship) and sophia (wisdom).
Therefore, philosophy is literally, "love of wisdom".

Love involves a drive or urge toward a specific object; it seeks unity with and possession of its object.
Wisdom involves the proper application of knowledge, which cannot be separated from knowledge itself. Truth is the ultimate goal of knowledge for wisdom.

Philosophizing involves seeking and living in the truth; it's a quest for knowledge.
The term philosophy, as love of wisdom, is defined and understood through the ancient Greek philosophers.

Philosophy is a science based on intrinsic and essential characteristics; classified as generic.
A science is a systematized body of proven knowledge, presented with precision and thoroughness.

Philosophy is rooted in experience, reflection, intuition, meditation, imagination, and speculation. It leads to critical thinking, questioning, analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and judging.
Philosophy, as a science (i.e., a systematised body of knowledge), involves philosophical enterprise (activities like questioning, reasoning, and understanding).