Philosophy M2: Love of Wisdom

Etymology of "philosophy": derived from "philos" (love) and "sophia" (wisdom), meaning "love of wisdom."

Pythagoras (570-495 BCE):
- Philosophy as a life of contemplation.
- Beliefs in reincarnation; contributions to mathematics, notably the Pythagorean Theorem.
Thales (c. 624-546 BCE):
- Considered the father of Western philosophy and one of the seven sages of Greece.
- Proposed that water is the fundamental substance of all things.
Heraclitus (c. 535-475 BCE):
- Emphasized change as the only constant, metaphorically using fire to depict transformation.
Socrates:
- Shifted focus of philosophy to human existence and morality.
- Asserted that knowledge equates to virtue; ignorance results in failure to do good.

Theoretical Philosophy:
- Investigates foundational aspects of human knowledge.
- Key areas:
  - Ontology: study of being and existence.
  - Epistemology: exploration of knowledge and its acquisition.
  - Metaphysics: analysis of reality and existence.
  - Theodicy: examination of divine goodness versus evil.
Practical Philosophy:
- Applies methods to improve everyday life and ethical living.
- Key areas:
  - Logic: study of reasoning.
  - Ethics: morality and principles of right living.
  - Axiology: investigation of values and importance.

Speculative Approach:
- Aims to unify sciences through abstract terms and concepts beyond empirical verification (e.g., immortality of the soul).
Analytic Approach:
- Analyzes fundamental assumptions of sciences, emphasizing logic and relationships to empirical validation.
- Seeks clarity and verifiability of concepts.

Speculative is more abstract and metaphysical; Analytic is grounded in logic and empirical evidence.
Speculative involves unverifiable claims; Analytic emphasizes logical and verifiable assertions.

Plato's View:
- Defines man as fundamentally a soul, characterized by self-initiating motion.
- Identifies three parts of the soul:
  - Rational Element: governs reasoning and language.
  - Spirited Element: handles emotions.
  - Bodily Element: concerned with physical needs.
- Advocates for the rational element to control the other parts.
Aristotle's View:
- Describes man as a unity of body and soul, with the soul being essential for life.
- Types of soul:
  - Vegetative Soul: present in plants for reproduction and growth.
  - Locomotive Soul: found in animals, responsible for locomotion and sensation.
  - Rational Soul: unique to humans, encompassing all lower functions plus reasoning.
- States that the soul is the source of life, vital for sustaining the body.