Philosophy Overview and Branches

Philosophy Overview

• Philosophy combines Greek terms: "Philo" meaning love and "Sofia" meaning wisdom.
• It examines beings in relation to their ultimate causes and principles through human reason.
• Distinguished between material beings (stones, trees) and immaterial beings (soul, spirit).
• Raises foundational questions about existence, purpose, and the nature of God and evil.

Branches of Philosophy

• Metaphysics: Explores existence beyond the physical realm; key questions include the origin of the universe and the existence of God and souls.
• Epistemology: Studies knowledge and belief; concerns the methods of acquiring knowledge and whether knowledge reflects reality.
• Logic: Focuses on principles of valid reasoning and identifying sound arguments versus fallacies.
• Ethics: Investigates morality, defining right and wrong actions, and the nature of good and evil.
• Aesthetics: Examines the philosophy of art and beauty, including emotional communication through art.

Doing Philosophy

• Involves questioning, reflection, and evaluating arguments; Aristotle posits that philosophy begins in wonder.
• Philosophical Reflection: A process of thinking about life's meaning and purpose; encourages self-awareness and valuing one’s existence.

Types of Philosophical Reflection

• Primary Reflection: Analyzes immediate experiences, breaking them down to understand definitions and solutions to problems.
• Secondary Reflection: Offers a deeper conceptual understanding, connecting experiences to broader realities.

Perspectives on Reality

• Point of View: Method of perceiving reality; a specific attitude impacting thoughts and judgments.
• Partial Point of View: Narrowly focuses on limited aspects of a situation, leading to incomplete understanding.

Fallacies in Reasoning

• Argumentum ad Baculum: Uses force or threats to accept conclusions; relies on coercion instead of logic.
• Argumentum ad Misericordiam: Appeals to pity or sympathy instead of the merits of an argument.
• Argumentum ad Populum: Leverages popular opinion to validate a claim; emotions of the majority influence acceptance.
• Argumentum ad Verecundiam: Relies on authority claims without supporting evidence; justifies conclusions based on experts alone.
• Argumentum Ad Hominem: Attacks the individual's character instead of addressing the argument's validity.
• Argumentum Ad Ignorantiam: Claims something is true simply due to lack of evidence to the contrary.

Human Person as an Embodied Spirit

• Key Definitions:

  • "Man" refers to humanity collectively.
  • "Human" characterizes the species.
  • "Human Being" differentiates from animals.
  • "Person" denotes recognition of rights and dignity.
  • "Personhood" reflects one's state of being a person.
  • "Human Nature" describes traits that set humans apart.

• Concept of Human Person: Reflects both biblical roots (Adam and Eve) and scientific origins (evolution from primates).

• Components of Human Identity:

  • Physical Self: Tangible aspects like appearance and health.
  • Cognitive Self: Intangible aspects like thoughts, beliefs, and aspirations.

Embodied Spirit

• Represents the inseparable connection of body and soul; driving force behind actions and thoughts.
• Reflects unity where body and soul work together in human existence.

Characteristics of the Embodied Spirit

• Self-awareness: Understanding oneself, encompassing thoughts and emotions, and striving for self-improvement.
• Transcendence: Overcoming limitations through effort and perseverance; achieving personal growth beyond inherent constraints.
• Methods of Self-Transcendence:
  • Set Targets: Aim for realistic goals for personal growth.
  • Challenge Thought Limitations: Recognize and overcome self-imposed mental barriers.
  • Resist Negativity: Avoid the influence of external critics to maintain a positive self-view.