Philosophy Lesson 1: Doing Philosophy

Study Notes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.