Social Science 4: What is Philosophy?

Study Notes

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy derives from the Greek words "philos" (love) and "sophia" (wisdom), meaning love for wisdom.
It involves investigating ultimate causes and principles governing all things through human reason.
Emphasizes the importance of sound reasoning in arguments and discussions.
Encourages continual inquiry and understanding of the human condition.

Origin of Philosophy

Philosophy originated in Ancient Greece around the 6th century BCE.
Western philosophy seeks truth through systematic argumentation and theory, prioritizing reason over faith.
Knowledge in various fields was deemed essential for one to be considered wise in Greek culture.

Key Ancient Greek Philosophers

Thales (624 BCE - 546 BCE)
- Considered the father of Western philosophy.
- Proposed water as the ultimate composition of all things.
Anaximander (610 BCE - 546 BCE)
- A student of Thales, introduced the concept of "apeiron" (the boundless) as the source of all things.
Anaximenes (586 BCE - 528 BCE)
- Aligned with Thales’ view, posited air as the essential substance making up all things.
Pythagoras
- Renowned mathematician and scientist, known for the Pythagorean theorem.
- Combined studies of mathematics, religion, and philosophy.
Heraclitus
- Famous for his principle of change, stating "No man ever steps on the same river twice".
- Introduced "Logos," emphasizing the higher order or plan.
Democritus
- Theorized that everything is composed of indivisible atoms.
- Explored the causes of natural phenomena through atomic theory.
Diogenes of Sinope
- Advocated for a simple and virtuous lifestyle, promoting the idea of "walking the talk."
- Critiqued societal norms, symbolizing cynicism.
Sophists
- Traveling teachers who educated individuals in various subjects including rhetoric and grammar.
- Emphasized excellence in public speaking and argumentation techniques, such as eristic (winning arguments).
Archimedes
- Considered the leading scientist of ancient times.
- His mathematical inquiries contributed to the development of modern calculus and various inventions.

Philosophical Contributions

The pre-Socratics, including figures like Thales and Pythagoras, laid the groundwork for Western philosophical thought by challenging conventional explanations of the world.
Emphasis on rational thought and structured inquiry fostered a culture of intellectual exploration in ancient Greece.

Description

Explore the fundamentals of philosophy in this engaging quiz designed for 12 HUMSS 3A Brilliance students. Learn about the origins of the term 'philosophy' and its significance as a pursuit of wisdom. Test your understanding of how philosophy applies to various fields, including science.