LESSON 1: What Is Philosophy? PDF

**LESSON 1: WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?** After going through this lesson, you are expected to: 1. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view 2. Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life; 3. Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situ...

**LESSON 1: WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?** After going through this lesson, you are expected to: 1. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view 2. Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life; 3. Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic **What is Philosophy?** The word p**hilosophy** comes from two Greek words: *philos (love)* and *sophia (wisdom)*. The ancient Greeks used this term to refer to "*love of wisdom*" -- and they soon applied it to the study or discipline that uses human reason to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons and principles which govern all things. People who engage in philosophy are called philosophers or "lovers of wisdom". Among the ancient Greeks, the philosophers became pioneers in various fields of knowledge such as history, biology, medicine, mathematics, astronomy and even physics. The following are the most notable ancient Greek philosophers. - **Pythagoras** (570 BCE to 495 BCE)- A mathematician and scientist, he was credited with formulating the Pythagorean theorem. His work earned him many followers, and he established a community of learners who were devoted to the study of religion and philosophy. - **Heraclitus** (535 BCE to 475 BCE)-He proposed that everything that exists is based on a higher order or plan which he called logos. For him, change is a permanent aspect of the human condition as he was credited with the saying, \"No man ever steps in the same river twice.\" - **Democritus** (460 BCE to 370 BCE)-He devoted himself to the study of the causes of natural phenomena. He was among the first to propose that matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms. - **Diogenes of Sinope** (412 BCE to 323 BCE) - He was a known advocate of living a simple and virtuous life. For Diogenes, one should not only talk of virtue but should show it in words and actions. His emphasis on austerity and simplicity often went to the extreme, and he was said to have lived like a beggar. He was also known to be a vocal critic of well-known philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. His teachings and views were later developed by his followers and influenced the development of several schools of philosophy such as Cynicism and Stoicism. - **Epicurus** (341 BCE to 270 BCE)- He believed that philosophy could enable man to live a life of happiness. His views gave rise to **Epicureanism**-a school of philosophy which believes that wisdom and simple living will result in a life free of fear and pain. - **Socrates** (470 BCE to 399 BCE)- He was considered the foremost philosopher of ancient times. He made great contributions to the field of ethics. Socrates was a known critic of intellectuals during his time, but he himself did not claim to be \"wise\" and merely considered himself a \"midwife\" that helped inquiring minds achieve wisdom. He also believed that philosophy could enable a man to live a life of virtue. He was credited with formulating the **Socratic Method-**a means of examining atopic by devising a series of questions that let the learner examine and analyze his knowledge and views regarding the topic. - **Plato** (427 BCE to 347 BCE) - A student of Socrates, he wrote down his mentor\'s teachings and incorporated some of his own ideas into them. His teachings and writings were considered the foundation of Western philosophy. Plato\'s most significant ideas included his **Theory of Forms**, which proposes that everything that exists is based on an idea or template that can only be perceived in the mind; these nonphysical ideas are eternal and unchanging. He also focused his studies on the ideal society and proposed an ideal model of government and society which is ruled by wisdom and reason. Plato is also known for his **dialectic-**a method of inquiry where two opposing ideas are discussed in an attempt to arrive at new knowledge. Plato\'s lasting contribution to learning was his founding of the Academy, an institution of higher learning which was the first of its kind in the Western World. - **Aristotle** (384 BCE to 322 BCE) - He attended the Academy, and was a prominent student of Plato. Aristotle, however, disagreed with Plato\'s theory of forms and took a different stance in interpreting reality. For him, all ideas and views are based on perception and our reality is based on what we can sense and perceive. This view greatly influenced the study of the physical sciences. Aristotle was involved in a great variety of disciplines such as zoology, psychology, ethics, and politics. He also proposed a system for the classification of plants and animals. His studies in logic led to the formulation of a formal process of analyzing reasoning which gave rise to **deductive reasoning**-the process by which specific statements are analyzed to reach a conclusion or generalization. **Why is there a need to philosophize?** Philosophers have often wondered and argued about the role of philosophy in man's life. - The Greek philosopher Plato traced man's need to philosophize to his **sense of wonder.** Whenever we are confronted with an experience, we always wonder how it came about. - The 15th--century French philosopher Rene Descartes traced the need to philosophize to doubt. In life, we will be faced with several ideas and arguments which present themselves as "truths." A critical and questioning perspective is necessary to determine if indeed these ideas or views are correct or true. - The 20t --century Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize because of experience. Jaspers believed that man is often confronted by experiences which challenge his ideas and frameworks. For Jaspers, philosophy provides us a means to understand adverse or challenging conditions, and to rise above them and gain new knowledge and perspectives. **Branches of Philosophy** One way of looking at philosophy is to consider it as a **way of analyzing frameworks.** **Framework** -- defined as a way of thinking about the world and is composed of the views and beliefs of a person. **Internal Questions**- questions dealing with our own correctness which can be addressed using our own personal frameworks. **External Questions --** seek to question the very frameworks upon which people base their own beliefs and views. Philosophy itself is **a distinct area of knowledge with its own goals, concerns, and ways of doing things.** It is often divided into several branches each of which deals with a particular aspect of life or phenomena. A. **Metaphysics** is a branch of philosophy which deals with questions regarding reality and existence. A very big part of the metaphysician's talk is to explain that part of our experience which we call unreal in terms of what we call real. B. **Ethics** is the branch of philosophy that explores the nature of moral virtue and evaluates human actions. Philosophical ethics attempts to provide an account of our fundamental ethical ideas. Whereas religion has often motivated individuals to obey the moral code of their society, philosophy is not content with traditional or habitual ethics but adopt a critical perspective. C. **Epistemology** discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing. It explains how we know what we claim to know; how we can find out what we wish to know; and lastly how we differentiate truth from falsehood. D. **Logic** a branch of philosophy which deals with correct thinking and reasoning. Logic is not interested in what we know regarding certain subjects. Its concern rather, is the truth or the validity of our arguments regarding such objects. E. **Aesthetics** deals with beauty and what makes things "beautiful". As a branch of philosophy, students should consider the importance of aesthetics because of the following: a. It vitalizes our knowledge; b. It helps us to live more deeply and richly; and lastly c. It brings us in touch with our culture. **The difference between holistic thinking and partial thinking** **Holistic thinking** refers to a perspective that consider large-scale patterns in system. This is often described as looking at the "big picture" when describing and analyzing a situation or problem. A holistic perspective requires an individual to have an open mindset and an ability to get the general sense or impression regarding a situation. **Partial thinking**, on the other hand, focuses on specific aspects of a situation. The partial views are an important component of analytic thinking, as an individual focuses on certain areas or aspects of a problem in order to understand it. Though partial thinking is useful, *philosophy utilizes holistic thinking in making sense of problems and issues related to the human experience.* A holistic view also gives rise to a more appreciative about life, as we are able to look at life in its totality. This means that we try to understand a situation from different vantage points so we can see it more fully. **Reflection**- requires a person to be willing to examine one's thoughts, feelings, and actions and to learn more about one's life and experiences. Prepared by: **Ms. Gaylyn T. Cortes** Subject Teacher