Overview of Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions regarding existence, knowledge, values, reason, and language.
It encourages critical thinking, analysis, and systematic approach to understanding complex issues.

Metaphysics
- Investigates the nature of reality, existence, and the universe.
- Key concepts include being, existence, objects and their properties.
Epistemology
- Examines the nature and scope of knowledge.
- Questions include: What is knowledge? How do we acquire it?
Ethics
- Studies moral values and principles.
- Divided into:
  - Normative Ethics: What is right and wrong?
  - Meta-Ethics: Nature of moral judgments.
  - Applied Ethics: Practical applications in various fields.
Logic
- Concerned with principles of valid reasoning and argumentation.
- Involves the study of syllogisms, fallacies, and symbolic logic.
Aesthetics
- Explores concepts of beauty, art, and taste.
- Questions what constitutes art and aesthetic experience.

Ontology: Study of being and existence.
Determinism vs. Free Will: Debate on whether human actions are predetermined or chosen freely.
Dualism vs. Physicalism: Discussion about the relationship between mind and body.

Ancient Philosophy (c. 600 BC - 500 AD)
- Key figures: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle.
- Focus on ethics, metaphysics, and political philosophy.
Medieval Philosophy (500 - 1500)
- Integration of religious doctrines with philosophical inquiry.
- Key figures: Augustine, Aquinas.
Modern Philosophy (1500 - 1800)
- Emphasis on reason, science, and individualism.
- Key figures: Descartes, Kant, Locke.
Contemporary Philosophy (1800 - Present)
- Diverse movements including existentialism, analytic philosophy, and postmodernism.
- Key figures: Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Foucault.

Socratic Method: Dialogical questioning to stimulate critical thinking.
Analytic Philosophy: Focus on clarity and argumentative rigor.
Phenomenology: Study of conscious experience from the first-person perspective.

Philosophy investigates fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and language.
It promotes critical thinking and a systematic approach to analyze complex issues.

Metaphysics: Explores the nature of reality and existence, focusing on concepts such as being, objects, and their properties.
Epistemology: Studies the nature and limits of knowledge, asking how knowledge is defined and acquired.
Ethics: Analyzes moral values with subdivisions:
- Normative Ethics: Addresses standards of right and wrong.
- Meta-Ethics: Investigates the nature of moral judgments.
- Applied Ethics: Examines practical moral issues in various fields.
Logic: Concerned with valid reasoning, syllogisms, fallacies, and symbolic logic.
Aesthetics: Investigates beauty, art, and taste, questioning what defines art and art experience.

Ontology: Focuses on the study of being and existence.
Determinism vs. Free Will: Explores whether human actions are predetermined or freely chosen.
Dualism vs. Physicalism: Discusses the relationship between mind and body.

Ancient Philosophy (c. 600 BC - 500 AD): Central figures include Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, with an emphasis on ethics, metaphysics, and political thought.
Medieval Philosophy (500 - 1500): Combines religious beliefs with philosophical inquiry through key figures like Augustine and Aquinas.
Modern Philosophy (1500 - 1800): Highlights reason and science, with influential thinkers such as Descartes, Kant, and Locke.
Contemporary Philosophy (1800 - Present): Features diverse movements like existentialism, analytic philosophy, and postmodernism, with key figures including Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, and Foucault.

Socratic Method: Uses dialogical questioning to enhance critical thinking.
Analytic Philosophy: Emphasizes clarity and logical argumentation.
Phenomenology: Focuses on the study of conscious experiences from a first-person perspective.