Philosophy Definition - Monthly Exam Review

Philosophy Definition

• Philosophy explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and reality.
• Engages critical and systematic thinking on profound life questions such as "What is the purpose of life?" and "What is right and wrong?"
• Encourages reasoning and critical analysis to delve into these inquiries.

Origins of Philosophy

• Originated in ancient Greece, with Thales of Miletus (c. 624-546 BCE) as one of the earliest philosophers.

Thales of Miletus

• Regarded as the first Western philosopher.
• Proposed that water is the fundamental substance of the universe, marking a shift from mythological to rational explanations of nature.

Scope of Philosophy

• Etymologically derived from philosophia (love of wisdom) from Greek words philos (love) and Sophia (wisdom).
• Defined as the science studying beings, their ultimate causes, reasons, and principles through human reason.

Types of Beings

• Material beings are tangible (e.g., furniture, humans), while immaterial beings are intangible (e.g., concepts like love, beauty).

Pythagoras

• Lived from 570-495 BCE; a philosopher and mathematician credited with the Pythagorean theorem.
• Self-identified as the first philosopher, emphasizing the highest purpose as the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
• Advocated for rational thought, ethical living, and natural world studies to achieve enlightenment.
• Contributed ideas on the immortality of the soul, reincarnation, and the mathematical nature of reality.

Historical Progression of Philosophy

Ancient Philosophy

• Flourished in Athens during the 5th century BCE.
• Pre-Socratic philosophers focused on the nature of the cosmos and its fundamental substances.

Pre-Socratic Philosophy (c. 600-400 BCE)

• Key figures include Thales, Pythagoras, and Heraclitus; they shifted thought from mythology to natural explanations.

Classical Philosophy (c. 400-323 BCE)

• Major thinkers: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle; emphasized ethics, theory of forms, and foundational philosophical inquiries.

Roman Philosophy (c. 30 BCE-500 CE)

• Key figures like Cicero and Seneca adapted Greek teachings to practical and ethical concerns.

Medieval Philosophy

• Focus shifted to a Theocentric approach, integrating theology with philosophical inquiry.
• Major contributors include St. Augustine, who merged Christian and Neoplatonic thought.

St. Augustine (354-430)

• Explored the nature of time, memory, and evil in works like Confessions and City of God.

St. Anselm (1033-1109)

• Formulated the ontological argument for God's existence and highlighted faith-reason compatibility.

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

• Integrated Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology in his influential work Summa Theologica.

Modern Philosophy

• Spanning from the Renaissance to the 19th century, characterized by shifts toward rationalism and empiricism.

René Descartes (1596-1650)

• Known as the "Father of Modern Philosophy"; introduced skepticism and the conclusion "Cogito, ergo sum."

John Locke (1632-1704)

• Advocated for empiricism; introduced the concept of tabula rasa (blank slate) influencing liberal democracy.

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

• Attempted to reconcile rationalism and empiricism; introduced the categorical imperative in ethics through Critique of Pure Reason.

Contemporary Philosophy

• Begins in the late 19th century, showcasing diversity in philosophical movements, including analytic and continental approaches.

Ancient Greek Philosophers

Pre-Socratic Philosophers

• Democritus (460-370 BCE): Introduced atomic theory; known as "The Laughing Philosopher."
• Heraclitus (535-475 BCE): Emphasized the principle of change; known for "No man ever steps in the same river twice."
• Diogenes of Sinope (412-323 BCE): Advocated for simplicity and virtue; a critic of societal norms influencing Cynicism and Stoicism.

Classical Philosophers

Socrates (c. 470/469-399 BCE)

• Known as the father of Western philosophy; emphasized ethics and self-knowledge through the Socratic Method.

Plato (c. 427-347 BCE)

• Founder of the Academy; introduced the Theory of Forms and authored The Republic on justice and governance.

Aristotle (384-322 BCE)

• Student of Plato; established the Lyceum and significantly influenced multiple disciplines; known for the concept of the Golden Mean.

Significant Figures

Archimedes (287-212 BCE)

• Notable for contributions to mathematics and mechanics, including the principle of buoyancy and various inventions.

Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE)

• Expanded his empire significantly by age 30; tutored by Aristotle; spread Greek culture during the Hellenistic Era.### Pythagoras
• Ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician (circa 570-495 BCE).
• Known for the Pythagorean theorem in mathematics and his philosophical contributions.
• Self-identified as the first philosopher, advocating for the pursuit of knowledge as life’s highest purpose.
• Emphasized rational thought, ethical living, and the study of nature for achieving enlightenment.
• Beliefs included the immortality of the soul, reincarnation, and a mathematical structure of reality.
• Founded Pythagoreanism, a religious movement integrating philosophical and mathematical teachings with a disciplined lifestyle focused on spiritual purity.

Progression of Philosophy in History

Ancient Philosophy

• Originated from early human civilization with a peak in Athens during the 5th century BC.
• Focused on cosmocentric philosophy: understanding the cosmos's nature.

Pre-Socratic Philosophy (circa 600-400 BCE)

• Key Thinkers: Thales, Anaximander, Heraclitus, Pythagoras, Parmenides, Empedocles, Anaxagoras, Democritus.
• Prioritized rational and natural explanations of reality over mythological perspectives.

Classical Philosophy (circa 400-323 BCE)

• Key Thinkers: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle.

Roman Philosophy (circa 30 BCE-500 CE)

• Key Thinkers: Cicero, Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius.
• Adapted Greek thought for practical and ethical applications in daily life.

Medieval Philosophy

• Associated with the Middle Ages, focusing on cosmocentric views and bridging classical thought with Renaissance rediscovery.
• Influential figure: St. Augustine (354-430), emphasized the eternal and unchanging nature of ideas.

Aristotle (384-322 BCE)

• Notable student of Plato, became tutor to Alexander the Great.
• Contributed to various fields including logic, ethics, and politics.
• Founded the Lyceum, and authored significant works like "Nicomachean Ethics" and "Politics."
• Adopted the "Golden Mean" principle, advocating moderation in all areas.
• Known as a peripatetic philosopher, often lectured while walking.

Archimedes (287-212 BCE)

• Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, and inventor.
• Discovered the principle of buoyancy (Archimedes’ principle).
• Invented the Archimedean screw for raising water; foundational contributions to mechanics and calculus.

Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE)

• King of Macedonia who created one of the largest empires by age 30.
• Renowned for military conquests across Persia, Egypt, and India.
• Tutored by Aristotle and instrumental in spreading Greek culture during the Hellenistic Era.
• His legacy influenced the dissemination of Greek ideas and cultural practices throughout his empire.

Prepare for your first monthly exam with this review on the definition of philosophy. Explore fundamental questions regarding existence, knowledge, and values, and refine your critical thinking skills. This quiz will guide you through the essential concepts that underpin philosophical inquiry.