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Questions and Answers
What does the term 'philosophy' etymologically mean?
What does the term 'philosophy' etymologically mean?
Love of wisdom
Which of the following is NOT a branch of philosophy?
Which of the following is NOT a branch of philosophy?
What is the focus of metaphysics?
What is the focus of metaphysics?
Study of things beyond the physical
Who is known as the Father of Western Philosophy?
Who is known as the Father of Western Philosophy?
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Plato founded the first university in the Western world.
Plato founded the first university in the Western world.
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What does the term 'ethics' originally mean?
What does the term 'ethics' originally mean?
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What is the primary function of the Socratic method?
What is the primary function of the Socratic method?
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Philosophy emphasizes the importance of __________ over answers.
Philosophy emphasizes the importance of __________ over answers.
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Aristotle is known for focusing primarily on ethics.
Aristotle is known for focusing primarily on ethics.
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Match the philosophers with their contributions:
Match the philosophers with their contributions:
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Study Notes
What is Philosophy?
- Definition: Derives from Greek, meaning "love of wisdom"; implies a deep desire for knowledge and correct application of it.
- Nature of Philosophy: Raises more questions than it provides answers; initiates with wonder.
Branches of Philosophy
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Metaphysics: Study of concepts beyond physical experience; includes the nature of God, freedom, and the soul.
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Sub-Branches:
- General Metaphysics/Ontology: Deals with the nature of being.
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Special Metaphysics:
- Cosmology: Investigates the universe's origin, dynamics, and governing laws.
- Psychology: Explores human nature, mind functions, and behavior dynamics.
- Theodicy: Justifies God's goodness amid the existence of evil.
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Sub-Branches:
- Epistemology: Examines the nature and scope of knowledge.
- Ethics: Originally from the idea of customs or habits; explores moral principles.
- Logic: Analyzes correct thinking and the validity of arguments.
Types of Reflection
- Primary Reflection: Involves abstract examination of objects.
- Secondary Reflection: Integrates fragmented experiences into a cohesive understanding.
Historical Context and Key Philosophers
- Early philosophers focused on material causes, questioning the fundamental elements (water, air, fire, earth) of existence.
- Thales and his successors proposed questions about the underlying composition of the world.
- Socrates: Recognized as the Father of Western Philosophy; emphasized ethics over natural studies.
- Plato: Renowned for his Dialogues and founding the Academy, the first university in the West; integrated diverse philosophical perspectives.
- Aristotle: Pioneered systematic examination across all knowledge areas; known for rigorous study and recordings, dubbed "the man who knew everything."
Philosophical Inquiry
- Philosophy lacks a fixed definition; defining it may impose limitations.
- Importance of questioning over providing answers leads to a never-ending quest for understanding.
- Socratic Questioning: A systematic approach introduced by Socrates to challenge contradictions and guide students towards logical conclusions.
- The Socratic method, also known as dialectic, promotes learning through logical examination of ideas via questions and answers.
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Description
Explore the foundational concepts of philosophy in this study guide. Learn about its etymology, importance, and the profound questions that define this discipline. This guide serves as an essential introduction to the love of wisdom and knowledge.