Overview of Philosophy

Definition: Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions regarding existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
Branches:
- Metaphysics: Study of reality and existence.
- Epistemology: Study of knowledge and belief.
- Ethics: Study of moral values and principles.
- Logic: Study of reasoning and argumentation.
- Aesthetics: Study of beauty and art.

Socrates: Emphasized the importance of questioning and dialogue (Socratic method).
Plato: Proposed the theory of Forms; authored "The Republic".
Aristotle: Developed formal logic; explored various subjects from ethics to biology.
Immanuel Kant: Introduced the concept of the "categorical imperative" in ethics; explored the limits of human understanding.
Friedrich Nietzsche: Critiqued traditional morality; introduced the concept of the "Übermensch".

Rationalism: Belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge (e.g., Descartes, Spinoza).
Empiricism: Emphasizes sensory experience as the source of knowledge (e.g., Locke, Hume).
Existentialism: Focus on individual existence, freedom, and choice (e.g., Sartre, Kierkegaard).
Utilitarianism: Ethical theory that promotes actions that maximize happiness (e.g., Bentham, Mill).
Postmodernism: Challenges the ideas of objective truth and grand narratives (e.g., Foucault, Derrida).

The Problem of Evil: Philosophical question regarding the existence of evil in relation to an omnipotent, benevolent God.
Free Will vs. Determinism: Debate about whether humans have the ability to make choices or if their actions are pre-determined.
Dualism vs. Physicalism: Discussion regarding the nature of the mind and body (e.g., Cartesian dualism vs. materialism).
Social Contract Theory: Philosophical idea regarding the origin of society and legitimacy of authority (e.g., Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau).

Ethical Decision-Making: Philosophy helps in evaluating moral dilemmas and guiding personal and societal actions.
Critical Thinking: Philosophical training enhances reasoning and argumentative skills, applicable in various fields.
Interdisciplinary Influence: Philosophy intersects with science, politics, religion, and art, influencing diverse areas of thought.

Continued exploration of new technologies, ethics of AI, environmental philosophy, and social justice issues.
Emergence of applied philosophy, addressing real-world problems through philosophical frameworks.

Philosophy investigates fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
Major branches of philosophy include:
- Metaphysics explores the nature of reality and existence.
- Epistemology examines the nature and scope of knowledge and belief.
- Ethics addresses moral values and principles guiding human conduct.
- Logic studies the principles of valid reasoning and argumentation.
- Aesthetics analyzes concepts of beauty and art.

Socrates is known for the Socratic method, emphasizing dialogue and questioning.
Plato introduced the theory of Forms and wrote "The Republic," a foundational text in Western philosophy.
Aristotle contributed to various fields, significantly developing formal logic and studies in ethics, biology, and politics.
Immanuel Kant introduced the "categorical imperative," central to his ethical theory, and examined the limits of human understanding.
Friedrich Nietzsche critiqued traditional morality and proposed the idea of the "Übermensch" as a model for overcoming societal norms.

Rationalism, represented by thinkers like Descartes and Spinoza, posits reason as the main source of knowledge.
Empiricism argues sensory experience as the primary source of knowledge, with key figures including Locke and Hume.
Existentialism emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, highlighted by philosophers like Sartre and Kierkegaard.
Utilitarianism, put forth by Bentham and Mill, advocates for actions that maximize happiness and well-being.
Postmodernism, represented by Foucault and Derrida, questions objective truths and overarching narratives in society.

The Problem of Evil addresses the conflict between the existence of evil and the concept of an all-knowing, all-good God.
Free Will vs. Determinism examines whether humans can genuinely make choices or if actions are predetermined.
Dualism vs. Physicalism discusses the nature of mind and body, contrasting Cartesian dualism with materialism.
Social Contract Theory reflects on the origins of societies and the legitimacy of political authority, articulated by Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.

Ethical Decision-Making: Philosophy aids in addressing moral dilemmas, guiding personal choices and societal norms.
Critical Thinking: Philosophy enhances skills in reasoning and argumentation, valuable across multiple disciplines.
Interdisciplinary Influence: Philosophy intersects with various fields, affecting science, politics, religion, and art through analytical frameworks.

Engages with contemporary issues such as technology ethics, artificial intelligence, environmental concerns, and social justice.
Develops applied philosophy, which targets real-world problems and employs philosophical methods to address them.