Doing Philosophy Lesson 2 PDF

Doing Philosophy LESSON 2 What are some of the major questions that Philosophers ponder upon? Question of reality Question of certainty Question of causality Question of ethics 1. QUESTION OF REALITY REALITY It refers to the state of existence of things independent of hu...

Doing Philosophy LESSON 2 What are some of the major questions that Philosophers ponder upon? Question of reality Question of certainty Question of causality Question of ethics 1. QUESTION OF REALITY REALITY It refers to the state of existence of things independent of human consciousness. 1. It includes physical things that we see, feel, taste, and smell. 2. It includes that already existed, things that presently exist, and things that are yet to exist. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GENERAL CATEGORIES OF REALITY Concrete and Abstract 1.2 QUESTION OF REALITY A. METAPHYSICS The branch of philosophy which addresses questions regarding reality. A.1 Ontology The branch of metaphysics dealing with the classification of existing things. A.1.1 Topics related to the discussion of reality 1. Concept of time 2. Space 3. Nature of the universe 4. Nature of the human being 2. QUESTION OF CERTAINTY CERTAINTY It refers to perfect knowledge that is free from error or doubt. 1. The central concept of certainty is truth. 2. Another related to the question of reality is the concept of knowledge. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EPISTEMOLOGY The branch of philosophy which deals with the nature & extent of knowledge. 2.1 QUESTION OF CERTAINTY EPISTEMOLOGY The branch of philosophy which deals with the nature & extent of knowledge. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KNOWLEDGE AS PRIORI & POSTERIORI 1. Rationalism 2. Empiricism Another theory for knowledge 3. Skepticism/Scepticism  2.3 QUESTION OF CERTAINTY KNOWLEDGE AS PRIORI & POSTERIORI 1. Rationalism- priori knowledge It is a theory on knowledge based on pure reasoning without the benefit of any experience. 2. Empiricism- posteriori knowledge It is a theory on knowledge based on experience. ANOTHER THEORY ON KNOWLEDGE 3. Skepticism It believes that all knowledge is uncertain or questions the established doctrines or truths.  3. QUESTION OF CAUSALITY CAUSALITY It defines that there is a cause for everything that happens. 1. Uncover the true nature of such phenomenon. 2. Examining events in the context of cause- effect. 3. Related concept regarding the origin or purpose of things. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Another related to question of causality Agency, Free will, and Choice  3.1 QUESTION OF CAUSALITY Another related topics about question of causality 1. Agency- the capacity of man to govern or control his/her actions. 2. Free will- the ability to choose among possible actions. Important perspective regarding causality 1. Determinism It is a philosophical belief that each event is determined or influenced by a specific set of events or factors. 2. Destiny It refers to a predetermined course of events leading to a specific outcome or future.  3.2 QUESTION OF CAUSALITY SUB-BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY THAT TACKLES CAUSALITY ETIOLOGY It refers to studies of causality TELEOLOGY It refers to the question of purpose  4. QUESTION OF ETHICS ETHICS It is a branch of philosophy that deals with the standards of right and wrong which define human behavior. 1. It answers the acceptable, correct, and good behavior. 2. It governs reasoning and right actions.  What methods & tools do Philosophers use in the conduct of their study? A. SYSTEMATIC DOUBT - Philosophers employ a skeptical attitude in order to determine its validity or truthfulness. B. ARGUMENT - Philosophers engage in discussion and debate on their ideas. C. DIALECTIC - Ideas & perspectives are analyzed through information gathered, new ideas and views are formulated.  Methods or problem-solving devices used by the Philosophers. A. SOCRATIC METHOD- A method of analyzing a topic by formulating a series of questions. B. AXIOMS- It refers to assumption which are taken for granted in philosophical discussion. C. OCCAM’S RAZOR- It is a problem-solving device. This principles states that among possible explanations, the one which has the least assumptions is the most acceptable. D. FORMAL LOGIC- It is a systematic analysis of the validity of arguments using syllogisms or logical arguments. E. THOUGHT EXPERIMENT & ALLEGORY- These are imagined scenarios used to illustrate a certain problem or describe a theory.