Week 3 Lecture Notes - Philosophy In Life PDF

MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES WEEK 3 PHILOSOPHY IN LIFE Center for General Studies |  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES Content 1. What is Philosop...

MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES WEEK 3 PHILOSOPHY IN LIFE Center for General Studies |  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES Content 1. What is Philosophy: Western & Eastern Perspectives 2. Branches of Philosophy 3. Theoretical Philosophy 4. Practical Philosophy 5. New Philosophy Center for General Studies | 2  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES WEEK 3 – LEARNING OUTCOMES Elaborate the basics of the main elements in theoretical philosophy Elaborate the basics of the main elements in practical philosophy Analyze the emergence and development of new philosophical branches Center for General Studies | 3  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES What is ‘Philosophy’: Western & Eastern Perspectives 4 Center for General Studies | MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 6 Center for General Studies |  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES PHILOSOPHY Philosophy has different orientations that allows for multiple explanations or meanings. The similarity is in the characteristic of problem solving using rational and logical debates. Problems can also be solved logically and mathematically in accordance to philosophy Philosophy is about rational and conceptual justifications Center for General Studies | 6  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES WESTERN PERSPECTIVE:  Remember this?  The word ‘PHILOSOPHY’ is derived from the Greek words ‘philia’ (love) and ‘sophia’ (wisdom). Center for General Studies | 7  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES Love of wisdom : Gives us the guide to build a happy and good life. Has a close relationship with religious WESTERN PHILOSOPHY understandings. Focuses more on humans and humanity / humanism Natural philosophy: Its theory is about reality and nature’s character. Focuses on naturality Western philosophy highlights on intellectual activities that focuses on problem solving. It is more academic in nature Center for General Studies | 8  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES Eastern Perspective :  The Sanskrit, Chinese, & Japanese equivalents of “philosophia” are:  Darshana (Sanskrit), which means “vision” (more precisely, vision of ultimate reality)  Je Shwe (Chinese, pronounced something like“juh shway”), which means “wise study”  Tetsugaku (Japanese), which means “wise learning” Center for General Studies | 9  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES EASTERN PHILOSOPHY Eastern philosophy is not conceptual It is closely connected to religious understanding Uses inductive methods and metaphysics to unravel reality based on perspectives that does not necessarily need to be rational Center for General Studies | 10  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES Center for General Studies | 11  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES Western philosophy deals with Individualism while Eastern Philosophy is related to Collectivism. Difference between western and eastern philosophy Both philosophies center on virtues. Eastern philosophy takes more of a spiritual approach while Western philosophy is more hands-on. Center for General Studies | 12 Branches of Philosophy  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY THEORETICAL PRACTICAL NEW Metaphysics Politic Technology Axiology Economy Ecology Epistemology Sociology Psychology Center for General Studies | 18 GENERAL PHILOSPHICAL BRANCHES GENERAL MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES THE QUESTIONS METAPHYSICS (REALITY AND What is the universe? What is life? EXISTENCE) What is freedom? T H E What can be known? How do we know? What EPISTEMOLOGY (THE is the source of knowing? How much can it be THEORY OF trusted? A KNOWLEDGE) N S What is the reality of goodness? What must AXIOLOGY be given importance? What must be liked? W (VIRTUES & What must be beautiful? What is the feeling E ETHICS) of goodness R S SPECIFIC WESTERN PHILOSOPHY LOGIC EASTERN PHILOSOPHY ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHYCenter for General Studies | 19  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES Theoretical Philosophy Center for General Studies | 20  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY Philosophy that refers to root/fundamental questions that require deep intellectual thought The discussion that is based on theoretical philosophy is very abstract and does not have a concrete use, however it answers the desire to know more about root/fundamental questions. Requires deep intellectual endeavour to answer questions that may help us to understand the why, how, and direction of human thought, among many things Center for General Studies | 17  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY METAPHYSICS Center for General Studies | 18  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY – METAPHYSICS (Theory of Being) Metaphysics meta (in Greek) = above, beyond, after Ontology - being (ontos) in general phusika = the scientific study of the world or nature Cosmology – The cosmos Metaphysics is the philosophical investigation of the nature of reality, being, or existence. Theology – God and The Gods (Theo) Anthropology – Human nature and human existence (Anthropos)e Center for General Studies | 19  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 3.1.1. Metaphysics (Theory of Being) i. Ontology - (ontos) being in general Examples of questions: Why is there something rather than nothing? What is ultimately real? Is reality fundamentally one or many? Is there anything that does not change? Is reality fundamentally material or spiritual? Center for General Studies | 20  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 3.1.2 Metaphysics (Theory of Being) ii. Cosmology - the cosmos Examples of questions: o What is the nature of the cosmos? o What is it made of? How is it structured? o Did the cosmos come into being? If so, how? o Will the cosmos cease to be in the future? o Is there a reality above & beyond the cosmos (a “supernatural” reality), or is the cosmos (nature) “all there really is”? Center for General Studies | 21  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 3.1.3 Metaphysics (Theory of Being) iii. Theology - God & the gods (Theos & theoi) Examples of questions o Does God exist? o What is the nature of God? o If God exists, how is it possible for pain, suffering, and evil to exist? Center for General Studies | 22  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 3.1.4 Metaphysics (Theory of Being) iv. Anthropology - (anthropos) human nature and human existence Examples of questions: o What are the basic characteristics of human nature? o How are the human mind & the human body related to each other? o Is there “freedom of the will”? o Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Center for General Studies | 23  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY AXIOLOGY Center for General Studies | 24  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY – AXIOLOGY (THEORY OF VALUE) Axiologia AXIOLOGY axios, axion = value logia = the study, theory or science of Aesthetics something Axiology is the philosophical investigation of Ethics the nature of value(s) & of the foundations of value judgments. Social & Political Philosophy (Beauty, Goodness, Security, Justice, Liberty, Equality) Center for General Studies | 25  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 3.2.1 Axiology (Theory of Value) i. Aesthetics (philosophy of art) Example of questions : o Can we distinguish between art & non-art? o Authentic art & unauthentic art? o Good & bad art? o Fine & useful art? If so, how? If not, why not? o What are the standards of aesthetic judgment? o What is the purpose of art? Center for General Studies | 26  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 3.2.2 Axiology (Theory of Value) ii. Ethics (moral philosophy) Example of questions : o What are the basic standards of morality? o What are the differences between “right” & “wrong” ? o Is the death penalty morally justifiable? o Abortion? o Racial, gender, or age discrimination? o The “war on drugs”? Center for General Studies | 27  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 3.2.3 Axiology (Theory of Value) iii. Social & Political Philosophy Example of questions : What are the origins, nature, & purposes of government (the state)? What are the proper relationships between the individual, society, & the state? What is the nature of justice? Liberty? Equality? What is the nature & purpose of law? Center for General Studies | 28  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY EPISTEMOLOGY Center for General Studies | 29  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY – EPISTEMOLOGY ( Theory of Knowledge) Epistemologia episteme = knowledge logia = the study, theory or science of something Epistemology is the philosophical investigation of : i. the nature of knowledge & truth ii. differences between knowledge & opinion iii. differences between truth & falsity. Center for General Studies | 30  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 3.3 Epistemology (Theory of Knowledge) Example of questions : What is the nature of knowledge? What are the sources of knowledge? What is the extent (scope & limits) of knowledge? What are the differences between knowledge & opinion? What are the differences between truth & falsity? Center for General Studies | 31  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES Practical Philosophy Center for General Studies | 32  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY Involves philosophical discussion in specific fields which has specific and clear applications Center for General Studies | 33  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 4.1 Political Philosophy Political philosophy can be defined as Answers questions such as: philosophical reflection on how best to arrange our collective life such as our economic system a. What is the meaning of the government or and our pattern of family life. Political philosophers seek to establish basic the concept of governance? principles that will justify a particular form of b. What is a good government? state, show that individuals have certain c. What are the characteristics of good inalienable rights, or tell us how a society’s governance? material resources should be shared among its members. Political philosophy gives advice to the government on how to administer a country based on its ruling system (democracy, republican etc) Plato, in his book outlined an ideal society with ideal political principles that could be practiced by the government of that nation In conclusion, government administrative systems like Communism, Marxism, Democracy and so forth are rooted in philosophy Center for General Studies | 34  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 4.2 Economic Philosophy Seek to establish basic principles that will justify material resources Answers questions on the fundamentals of economics such as: should be shared among its members. a. What is the meaning of economic justice? Discusses about economic justice and fairness in trading. b. Hoe do we achieve fairness in allocation of Achieving resources to all categories of people. resources to all layers of society? Understanding of economic philosophy helps the authorities to draft c. How is fairness achieved or practiced in the context policies which upholds fairness. of economy, especially in allocation of different sources to different layers of society? Only through economic philosophy or questions on economic justice can economic policies be made fairer when it comes to allocation of resources. It helps the government create policies that are fairer to the masses. This will ensure society accepts the policies and there will be no arguments on the government’s policies on resource allocation Center for General Studies | 35  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 4.3 Sociology Philosophy It seeks to understand the social conditions in terms of intellectual activity. The effects of philosophy take place within the society to frame understanding of explorations of truth and knowledge as social processes. Center for General Studies | 36  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES New Philosophy Center for General Studies | 37  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 5.1 Technology Existed after 19th century during industrial revolution as new technologies emerged. Such as car industries, aeroplanes, telephone, television, internet, etc. Philosophical questions : ✓ What is technology? ✓ What are the impacts of technology on human? ✓ Is technology an extension to human itself? ✓ What are the consequences of Artificial Intelligence technology on nuclear weapons? Center for General Studies | 38  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES 5.2 Ecology Philosophical views about the nature and severity of Seeks to answer questions such as: the current environmental crisis exists. a. what is the relationship between humans and nature? How can mankind work towards creating eco- friendly environment that preserves the nature. b. What is the meaning of nature for human life? Questions the environmental crisis caused by c. Is nature merely of an economic importance to mankind: humans or more? ✓ Climate change ✓ Ozone depletion ✓ Degraded air-quality ✓ Land contamination ✓ Deforestation Center for General Studies | 39  MPU2193 | PHILOSOPHY & CURRENT ISSUES Center for General Studies | 40