Introduction to Philosophy

The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, and reality.

Philosophers strive to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the world, encompassing everything from nature to human consciousness.

Philosophers are open to exploring all possibilities and are not bound by rigid assumptions like other disciplines.

Early thinkers who were known for their wisdom, often associated with scientific, mathematical, or political contributions.

The tendency to question established beliefs and seek rational explanations for phenomena.

Applying logic and reason to understand the natural world and our place in it.

Exploring the nature of human behavior and motivations.

Philosophy analyzes how social structures and organizations function and impact individuals.

A person considered wise and virtuous, often associated with a particular tradition or culture; they are seen as a source of wisdom and guidance.

A philosophical tradition emphasizing filial piety, devotion to work, and listening to divine voices; associated with the ancient Chinese figures of Shun and Yü.

A key concept in Chinese philosophy, referring to the ability to hear and act upon divine insights; symbolized by the ear in the Chinese character for "sheng."

A philosophical tradition founded by Confucius, emphasizing ethical conduct, social harmony, and good governance; it has historically been criticized for its patriarchal values.

The traditional belief in the inherent subordination of women in Chinese culture, shaped by Confucianism and other influences.

Two opposing forces in the natural world, often associated with masculine and feminine qualities; used to explain the cyclical nature of existence.

A philosophical tradition emphasizing simplicity, naturalness, and the Tao (the Way); often presented as more liberal than Confucianism towards the role of women.

A world religion emphasizing compassion, non-violence, and the pursuit of enlightenment; often presented as more liberal than Confucianism towards the role of women.

A Kenyan philosopher who studied the philosophical tradition of African folk sages, emphasizing their rational inquiry and critical distance from their own cultures.

The tradition of wisdom and knowledge passed down orally in a culture or community.

A significant figure in ancient Greek philosophy, known for his mathematical and astronomical knowledge, as well as his theories about the universe.

A political leader of ancient Athens, known for his reforms that aimed to strengthen the city's government and improve social conditions.

The idea that happiness is not simply a momentary feeling, but a reflection of a person's entire life, as expressed by Solon.

The ancient Greek historian who compiled a collection of biographies of prominent philosophers, including the Seven Sages.

A collection of ancient Indian scriptures, considered to be of divine origin and containing a wealth of knowledge about religious, philosophical, and practical matters.

The goal of philosophy is to understand how everything in the world connects and hangs together in a comprehensive way.

The ability to think critically and understand how concepts relate to one another, like knowing how to navigate a complex map.

This refers to our everyday, common-sense understanding of the world based on direct experience, such as how we perceive the sun, the moon, and the stars.

This refers to the scientific explanation of the world, often expressed through laws, theories, and models, like the heliocentric model of the solar system.

The process of reconciling the two different pictures of the world—the manifest image and the scientific image—to achieve a deeper and more comprehensive understanding.

A type of knowledge that involves practical skills and abilities, like riding a bicycle or playing a musical instrument.

A type of knowledge that involves facts and information, like knowing the capital of France.

Philosophy's commitment to exploring the broadest possible range of topics, suggesting that no area of inquiry is off-limits.

Areas of study that are not considered worthy of investigation because they lack factual basis or offer little insight into how things hang together.

The practice of philosophers shifting their focus from specific areas of study to broader, more fundamental questions, leaving those specific areas to other disciplines.

The idea that philosophy aims to bring a comprehensive picture of knowledge into focus, emphasizing interconnectedness and coherence.

The challenge of representing the vast and complex body of human knowledge as a single, unified picture or image.

A field of study with clear boundaries and methods, such as biology, which focuses on living organisms and their processes.

The lack of clearly defined boundaries or methods in philosophy, allowing for a broad range of inquiry and investigation.

The scientific perspective on human beings in the world, often emphasizing the laws of nature and biological processes.

A prehistoric tradition that emphasizes the importance of intellect, wisdom, piety, and virtue in driving innovation and the flourishing of ancient civilizations.

A period in ancient Greece where philosophers used rational methods to explain natural phenomena.

Ancient Greek philosophers who focused on the underlying causes of natural changes, like the transformation of water into ice or the cyclical patterns of seasons.

The belief held by Thales that a fundamental element of nature, capable of changing its state, is water.

A substance that possesses its own source of motion, independent of external influences, like magnets and amber.

The term Thales used to describe the internal principle of motion within elements like magnets and amber.

A term that originated from the Latin word for soul (anima) and signifies a living thing or something with internal motion.

An ancient Greek philosopher who offered explanations for natural phenomena like rainbows and St. Elmo's fire.

A philosophical concept which explains a phenomenon by referring to an underlying mechanism or cause.

The founder of the Eleatic school of philosophy who used logic to argue that change is an illusion and that what exists must be unchanging.

Ancient Greek philosophers who believed that all observable qualities are human constructs and that reality consists of unchanging atoms moving through a void.

A mathematical theorem that establishes a relationship between the sides of a right-angled triangle, where the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

Ancient Greek philosophers who believed that mathematics provided a fundamental understanding of the natural world and that everything in nature was governed by mathematical principles.

The community of Pythagoreans was characterized by rigorous scholarship and strict rules regarding diet, clothing, and behavior, reflecting their emphasis on a disciplined and harmonious way of life.

A female philosopher who was a member of the Pythagorean community and contributed to discoveries in numbers and optics.

The Seven Sages, or Saptarishi in Sanskrit, are seven wise men who are considered the authors of the ancient Indian texts known as the Vedas. They are also considered mythic figures who descended from the gods and whose reincarnation marks the passing of each age of Manu, or epoch of humanity.

The Seven Sages are considered the spiritual and practical forerunners of Indian gurus or teachers, even up to today. Their wisdom comes from both spiritual forces and tapas, or the meditative, ascetic, and spiritual practices they perform.

The story of Manu and the Seven Sages in the Matsya Purana depicts them surviving a mythic flood in a boat guided by the king of serpents. This story highlights the importance of preserving knowledge and life during times of adversity.

Despite the patriarchal nature of classical Indian culture, women played significant roles in the Vedic tradition. These women figures were often connected to the concept of the fundamental forces of nature, such as energy, strength, and power, which were seen as feminine.

Ghosha, a daughter of Rishi Kakshivan, devoted herself to spiritual practices to heal her skin condition and eventually marry. This story showcases the role of women in seeking spiritual knowledge and healing.

Maitreyi, wife of the Rishi Yajnavalkya, was a devoted ascetic who composed 10 hymns in the Rig Veda. She is known for her dialogue with Yajnavalkya on the nature of happiness and the pursuit of knowledge.

Gargi, another woman sage, engages in a celebrated dialogue with Yajnavalkya on natural philosophy and the fundamental elements of the universe. She is recognized as a knowledgeable sage, showcasing the intellectual prowess of women in ancient India.

The sage (sheng) tradition is also important in Chinese philosophy, with Confucius emphasizing their role in discovering essential skills, leading wisely, and contributing to a well-ordered state.

Early Chinese sage figures were often associated with technological discoveries. Examples include the “Nest Builder,” the “Fire Maker,” and the “Flood Controller,” representing individuals who made key advancements in early civilization.

The Book of Changes identifies the Five Emperors as sages, including Yao and Shun, who are credited with innovations like canoes, carts, gates, and bows and arrows. These stories emphasize the practical aspects of ancient Chinese wisdom.

Emperor Shun is known for ruling during a great flood, while Yu is credited with saving civilization by building canals and dams. These stories illustrate the importance of leadership and practical solutions during challenging times.

The sage tradition is a cornerstone of both Indian and Chinese philosophy, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual development. These figures serve as models for ethical conduct, leadership, and the pursuit of enlightenment.

The ancient Indian texts that contain the teachings of the Seven Sages are known as the Vedas. These texts are considered sacred and authoritative in Hinduism, encompassing a wide range of topics, including philosophy, rituals, and hymns.

The Upanishads, another foundational collection of Vedic texts, contain philosophical discussions on various topics, including the nature of the soul, the relationship between the individual and the Absolute, and the pursuit of liberation.

Tapas is a key concept in the Hindu tradition, representing the process of intense spiritual discipline through meditation, asceticism, and other rigorous practices. It is believed to lead to self-control, enlightenment, and a deeper understanding of the Divine.