Philosophy Overview and Its Role

Etymology of Philosophy

• Philosophy comes from the Greek words "philos" (love) and "sophia" (wisdom)
• This means a "lover of wisdom"

Philosophy's Nature

• Philosophy is more than just a theoretical field of study
• It is an act of seeking wisdom, understanding, and meaning
• It involves questioning, understanding, and discovering

Philosophy in the Philippines

• The Philippines does not have a strong traditional philosophical tradition
• There is a natural human urge to understand reality and seek meaning

Role of Philosophy

• Philosophy integrates with other disciplines
• It provides a comprehensive and coherent world view
• It analyzes the foundations of other subjects like art, science, and religion
• It examines and explores the underpinnings of various disciplines
• It helps in understanding reality
• It analyzes beliefs and traditions, ensuring they are logical and consistent

Core Branches of Philosophy

• Metaphysics:
  • Comes from the Greek word "metaphysika" (beyond physics)
  • Deals with the nature of reality
  • Asks the question "What is?"
  • Often referred to as ontology, the study of being
• Epistemology:
  • Comes from the Greek words "episteme" (knowledge) and "logos" (to study)
  • Investigates how we acquire knowledge
  • Deals with the process of knowing something is true
• Ethics:
  • Comes from the Greek word "ethos" (custom or habit)
  • Aims to understand right and wrong behavior
  • Deals with the process of determining what is right and wrong
• Aesthetics:
  • Comes from the Greek word "aisthetikos" (of sense perception)
  • Deals with the nature and appreciation of art, beauty, and good taste
  • Human judgment of aesthetics goes beyond sensory perception
  • It involves emotional and intellectual aspects

Ancient Greek Philosophy

• Ancient Greek philosophy flourished due to:
  • The absence of a priestly class that censored ideas
  • The Greeks' imaginative thinking
  • The Greeks' awareness of change, leading to a search for explanations