Overview of Philosophy

Overview of Philosophy

• Philosophy investigates truth and reality, focusing on ultimate causes, reasons, and principles through reasoning.
• The term derives from the Greek words PHILOS (love/desire) and SOPHIA (wisdom).
• Philosophy aims to understand existence and knowledge.

Definitions and Origins

• "Inquire" comes from the Latin "INQUIRARE," meaning "to ask."
• "Science" originates from the Latin "scire/scio," which means "to know," representing a specific body of knowledge.
• "Principles" are derived from "PRINCEPS," translating to "beginning."
• RELIGARE conveys the meaning of "to worship."

Historical Context

• Athens symbolizes intellectual debate (battle of the mind), while Sparta represents militaristic conflict (battle of war).
• The University of Santo Tomas was founded in 1611, highlighting the historical importance of philosophical education.

Philosophical Practice

• Five key activities characterize philosophism:
  • Thinking
  • Analyzing
  • Investigating
  • Evaluating
  • Reflecting

Periods of Philosophy

• Ancient Period: Focus on Cosmocentric views (world, nature) from BC until the 5th century AD.
• Medieval Philosophy: Centered around Theocentric concepts (God) from the 5th to the 15th century.
• Modern Philosophy: Emphasizes Anthropocentric perspectives (man) from the 15th to 18th century.
• Post-modern Philosophy: Explores ideas and language, prominent in the 21st century.

Notable Philosophers

• Aristotle: Known for studies on animals and plants, contributing significantly to various fields of knowledge.
• Heraclitus (500 BC): Famous for the idea that "everything is influx," emphasizing that change is the only constant in life.
• Plato: Associated with the saying "Virtus Stat in Medio," promoting the concept of virtue and balance.
• Pythagoras: Recognized as the father of the Ancient Period for his mathematical and philosophical contributions.
• St. Thomas Aquinas: Revered as the father of the Medieval Period, integrating faith with reason in philosophical discourse.

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of philosophy, including its definitions, origins, and historical context. Diving into its core activities, you'll learn about the essence of philosophical inquiry and its significance in understanding existence and knowledge. Engage with the rich intellectual tradition that shapes our understanding of reality.