Philosophy Lesson 1: Doing Philosophy

Objectives of Philosophy

• Differentiate between a holistic perspective and a partial viewpoint.
• Appreciate the importance of philosophy for gaining a comprehensive understanding of life.
• Engage in philosophical reflection using concrete situations from a holistic viewpoint.

Definition and Nature of Philosophy

• Philosophy examines fundamental questions concerning existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
• Derived from Greek words "philos" (love) and "Sophia" (wisdom), indicating a passion for wisdom.
• Philosophers are individuals committed to exploring profound life questions, enhancing the meaningfulness of life.
• Central philosophical inquiries include the meaning of life, truth, morality, and reality.

Philosophy vs. Non-Philosophy

• Non-philosophy pertains to practical, everyday inquiries that lack deep critical engagement.
• Example of philosophical questions: “What is the purpose of life?”
• Example of non-philosophical questions: “What should I have for dinner?”
• Philosophy seeks to understand broader contexts, while non-philosophy focuses on day-to-day matters.

Historical Origins of Philosophy

• Philosophy emerged in Ancient Greece around the 6th Century B.C.
• Thales of Miletus is often recognized as the first philosopher, inquiring into existence and the nature of the universe.
• Thales offered natural explanations, moving beyond mythological interpretations, laying the groundwork for both philosophy and science.

Key Ancient Greek Philosophers

• Socrates (c. 469-399 BCE)

  • Regarded as the father of Western philosophy.
  • Developed the Socratic method, encouraging deeper examination of beliefs.
  • Emphasized self-reflection: "The unexamined life is not worth living."

• Plato (c. 427-347 BCE)

  • A student of Socrates and founder of the Academy, the first university.
  • Explored diverse topics about governance and ideal societies.
  • Introduced the concept of "Forms," proposing that the physical realm is merely a shadow of a more perfect reality.

• Aristotle (384-322 BCE)

  • A student of Plato and educator of Alexander the Great.
  • Wrote extensively across various subjects including ethics and science.
  • Advocated for the "Golden Mean," promoting a balanced approach to life.

• Pythagoras (c. 570-495 BCE)

  • Philosopher and mathematician known for linking mathematics to the essence of the universe.
  • Famous for the Pythagorean theorem, he proposed that numerical relationships are fundamental to understanding reality.

• Heraclitus (c. 535-475 BCE)

  • Focused on the concept of change, asserting that everything is in a constant state of flux.