Wk-1-Meaning-of-Philosophy-slides-1-10.pptx

 Philosophy  Is the study or discipline that uses human reason to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles which govern all things.  Is the mother of all disciplines – Sciences, Mathematics, Law, Arts, Psychology, History, Business, Medicines, Pol...

 Philosophy  Is the study or discipline that uses human reason to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles which govern all things.  Is the mother of all disciplines – Sciences, Mathematics, Law, Arts, Psychology, History, Business, Medicines, Politics, Sociology,,  It is the oldest intellectual pursuit as it traced back to Greece, India, China, and other parts of the world.  Philosophy is concerned with the deepest and widest questions in life. Science is what you know, Philosophy is what you do not know. Bertrand Russel – British Philosopher AYN RAND: “Philosophy studies the fundamental nature of existence of human and of human’s relationship to existence. As against the special science which deals only with particular aspects, philosophy deals with those aspects of the universe which pertain to everything that exists – stones, rivers, animals, plants, cars, and etc. In the realm of cognition, the special sciences are the trees, but philosophy is the soil which makes the forest possible.”  History of Philosophy Greece is the birthplace of Philosophy in the West. Thales was the first philosopher. He predicted a solar eclipse that can be dated by astronomers. The eclipse occurred on May 28 of the year 585 BC. Ancient Greek philosophy reached its peak during the lives of Socrates, his student Plato, and Plato’s student, Aristotle. This time is known as the classical period. It was a time in which there was extraordinary development in sculpture and drama as well as philosophy. It is considered the origin of Western philosophy and Islamic philosophy.  Features of Philosophy  Philosophy’s key distinguishing feature is its rationality.  Philosophy involves finding reasons to support beliefs and believing what is supported by reasons.  Philosophy often involves attention to detail, but it is not a key feature of philosophy. Experimental methods are a key feature of science. Although philosophy and science often work together, they are distinct ways of understanding the world, and philosophy does not usually employ experimental methods.  Importance of the study of Philosophy Philosophy leads us to a broader understanding of human and experience. Philosophy serves human a better understanding of herself/himself and her/his fellow human beings. Philosophy acquaints a person to various philosophical thinkers of the past and of his time. Philosophy gives human satisfaction.  Importance of the study of Philosophy Philosophy will guide her/him in making day-to-day decision of life and experience. Philosophy gives other sciences a sense of meaning. Philosophy enables a person to involve in critical analysis and interpretation of concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems. Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision- making.  Who is a philosopher?  A philosopher is a lover of wisdom. ,  He/she puts meaning to what is out there, is open to changes and discovery.  He/she does not stop knowing, wondering, and asking questionshungers for truth, meaning and of sense.  He/she goes beyond and experience transcendence.  A philosopher possesses a beautiful mind.  A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately present her/his ideas. Pythagoras – in the 6th century BCE, Pythagoras was the first to call himself, philosophos “lover of wisdom”. He did not claim that he was wise. But by calling himself a philosopher, he was saying that he was a person who valued and cherished wisdom. - Author of Pythagorean Theorem