Overview of Philosophy

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'philosophy' originate from?

Love of knowledge

Love of ethics

Love of existence

Love of wisdom (correct)

Socrates is known as a student of Aristotle.

False

Who proposed the Theory of Forms?

Plato

______ is the branch of philosophy that studies questions regarding reality and existence.

Metaphysics Signup and view all the answers

Match the philosopher with their main contribution:

Heraclitus = Higher Plan (Logos) Epicurus = Philosophy for happiness Democritus = Study of natural phenomena Aristotle = Perception-based reality Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of philosophy deals with moral questions and dilemmas?

Ethics Signup and view all the answers

Holistic thinking focuses on specific aspects of a situation.

False Signup and view all the answers

The capacity of humans to exercise introspection is known as ______.

Human self-reflection Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to an individual who possesses full self-awareness?

Person Signup and view all the answers

Anthropocentrism believes that humans are a part of a greater biological system.

False Signup and view all the answers

Define sustainable development.

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Signup and view all the answers

__________ refers to the ethical treatment of animals and inherent value of all organisms.

Biocentrism Signup and view all the answers

Match the philosophers with their main ideas:

Anaximander = Creation-destruction cosmology Pythagoras = Nature's order and harmony Immanuel Kant = Orderliness and harmony of nature George Herbert Mead = Duties and responsibilities in nature Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the natural behavior of a person that distinguishes humans from animals?

Human nature Signup and view all the answers

Deep ecology values all living things equally regardless of their usefulness to humans.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does environmental integrity mean?

Human activities should not normally disrupt the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Philosophy

Derived from Greek terms 'philos' (love) and 'sophia' (wisdom) meaning "love of wisdom".
Encompasses fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.

Key Philosophers and Their Contributions

Pythagoras: Mathematician known for the Pythagorean Theorem; viewed the universe as harmonious.
Heraclitus: Proposed the concept of 'logos', suggesting everything exists according to a higher plan.
Democritus: Focused on natural phenomena, contributing to early scientific thought.
Epicurus: Believed philosophy promotes a life of happiness.
Socrates: Foremost philosopher of ancient times, known for the Socratic method.
Plato: Student of Socrates; introduced the Theory of Forms, positing that true knowledge is beyond sensory experience.
Aristotle: Prominent student of Plato; emphasized that knowledge originates from sensory perception.

Philosophical Concepts

Holistic Thinking: Considers overarching patterns within systems.
Partial Thinking: Focuses on specific details of a situation.
Aesthetics: Studies beauty and the nature of beautiful things.
Logic: Concerns itself with correct reasoning.
Epistemology: Examines the nature and limits of knowledge.
Ethics: Involves moral questions and dilemmas.
Political Philosophy: Investigates government structures and concepts of justice.
Metaphysics: Explores questions concerning reality and existence.

Human and Self Reflection

Philosophy of the Human Person: Understands individuals from a philosophical viewpoint.
Reflection: Requires examining one's thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Human Self Reflection: Capacity for introspection.

Concepts of Existence and Identity

Fact: Something that can be proven true or false.
Opinion: A personal view or belief.
Human: Refers to various classifications within the species.
Human Being: Distinguishes humans from animals.
Person: An individual with self-awareness.
Personhood: Unique ethical status of being a person.
Human Nature: Innate behaviors that differentiate humans from animals.
Cognitive Self: Internal, unseen aspect of identity.
Physical Self: Observable physical attributes.
Embodied Spirit: The animating core of life within each individual.
Human Transcendence: The ability to surpass personal limitations.

Environmental Philosophy

Environmental Philosophy: Studies ethical relationships between humans and the environment.
Anthropocentrism: Views nature primarily as a resource for human needs.
Ecocentrism: Recognizes humans as part of a broader biological community.
Biocentrism: Advocates for the intrinsic value of all living organisms and their ethical treatment.
Anaximander: Introduced concepts of creation and destruction within a cosmological framework.

Principles of Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development: Development that satisfies current needs without jeopardizing future generations.
Environmental Integrity: Human actions should not harm local ecosystems.
Economic Efficiency: Advocates for minimal waste in resource usage.
Equity: Ensures conservation of resources for future use.
Deep Ecology: Asserts equal intrinsic value of all living beings.

Philosophers on Nature and Duty

Immanuel Kant: Believed in the order and harmony of nature.
George Herbert Mead: Emphasized human responsibilities towards nature.

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Description

Explore the roots and fundamental concepts of philosophy, including its definition as the love of wisdom. Dive into the contributions of key philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and understand their ideas that shaped philosophical thought.