Philosophy of a Human Person

Study Notes

Philosophy Overview

Philosophy seeks fundamental truths about existence, the world, and interpersonal relationships.
Etymology from Greek: "philo" (love) and "sophia" (wisdom), defining a philosopher as a lover of wisdom.
A response to inadequacies in religious answers, philosophy systematically explores various questions.

Nature of Philosophy

Philosophy is distinct from other sciences; it is holistic and multidimensional rather than focused on particular objects.
It employs natural reasoning to examine the first cause and underlying principles of existence.
Reality is seen as having origins, where every entity has a name, concept, and characteristics.

Key Principles

Law of Non-Contradiction: Something cannot exist and not exist simultaneously.
Law of Sufficient Reason: Every occurrence must have a rationale or cause.
Encourages suspension of judgment to explore different perspectives on reality.

Concept of Reality

True Reality is the underlying essence beyond sensory perception—what is perceived physically might be an illusion.
Thales posited water as the fundamental principle of existence.
Plato argued that true reality transcends the physical world, suggesting a deeper, invisible representation of existence.

Ethical Theories

Natural Law: Actions are moral if they promote human flourishing; morality is tied to divine creation.
Divine Command Theory: Morality is derived directly from God's commands.
Teleological Theory: Prioritizes outcomes; actions promoting the greatest good for the most people are considered moral.
Deontological Ethics (Kantianism): Centers on duty; moral actions are defined by the obligation to act, regardless of personal feelings.
Relativism: Morality is shaped by cultural acceptance, with the notion "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Virtue Ethics: Focuses on character development and the pursuit of good virtues rather than consequences or duties.

Epistemology and Knowledge

Explores the nature, sources, limitations, and validity of knowledge.
Empiricism asserts that knowledge arises from sensory experiences and factual evidence.
Deductive reasoning allows for the understanding of particular facts through established general laws.

Logic and Reasoning

Logic, derived from the Greek "logike," deals with the validity and truth of arguments, serving as a framework for philosophical inquiry.
While logic itself does not produce knowledge, it critically analyzes reasoning and thought processes.

Description

Explore the fundamental truths about humanity and the relationships we share with the world. This quiz delves into the essence of philosophy, tracing its roots and meanings from Greek terminology. Understand what it means to be a philosopher, a lover of wisdom, through engaging questions.