Philosophy Lecture Notes PDF

LESSON #1 (1st Quarter - 1st Semester) MEANING AND PROCESS OF DOING PHILOSOPHY WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY? Philosophy ▪ comes from two Greek words: philos (love) and Sophia (wisdom)....

LESSON #1 (1st Quarter - 1st Semester) MEANING AND PROCESS OF DOING PHILOSOPHY WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY? Philosophy ▪ comes from two Greek words: philos (love) and Sophia (wisdom). ▪ Ancient Greeks used this term to refer to “love of wisdom”. ▪ 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. ▪ study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and language. ▪ is a way of thinking about the world, the universe, and society ▪ aims to search for wisdom ▪ People who engage in Philosophy are called philosophers or “lovers of wisdom.” TYPES OF QUESTIONS Simple questions - easily ignored because of their simplicity, but these indicate a healthy curiosity and a sense of wonder which is a most important feature of childhood innocence. Examples: What is this? What does this do? Why are trees tall? Why is the sky so far? Serious questions - influenced by our experiences and circumstances. Examples: Why do I have to study? What do I need to do to get better grades? Why can’t I have more friends? What should I do to achieve my goals in life? Why did I fail? What can I do to do better? In the family our parents usually say; how can our budget cover our family’s expenses? What should I do to earn more? Would it be better to apply for a new job? Did I make the right choice in buying the property? How do I deal with difficult people at work? ✓ Deep Questions - we encounter them in serious conversations, in the books we read, the songs we hear on the radio and even in the movies we watch. Examples: What is love? Is love worth giving up everything? Where one can find true happiness? Does the end justify the means? Why do good people suffer? Why is there injustice in this world? What can we do to make the world a better place? Why do I have to be a good person? Philosophers ▪ People who engage in Philosophy are called philosophers or “lovers of wisdom.” ▪ Philosophers became pioneers in various fields of knowledge such as history, biology, mathematics, astronomy, and even physics. ▪ It was quite common to hear of ancient philosophers who were “experts” in various fields of learning. Most notable ancient Greek Philosophers: Pythagoras (570 BCE – 495 BCE) - Pythagorean theorem - Established a community of learners who were devoted to the study of religion and philosophy. Heraclitus (535 BCE – 475 BCE) - He proposed that everything that exists is based on a higher order or plan which he called “logos”. - “No man ever steps in the same river twice”. Democritus (460 BCE – 370 BCE) - Devoted himself to the study of the causes of natural phenomena. - Proposed that matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms. Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE – 323 BCE) - A known advocate of living a simple and virtuous life. - 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 – 270 BCE) - Believed that Philosophy could enable man to live a life of happiness. - 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 – 399 BCE) - He was considered the foremost philosopher of ancient times. - Believed that philosophy could enable man to live a life of virtue. - Socratic method – a means of examining a topic by devising a series of questions that let the learner examine and analyze his knowledge and views regarding the topic. Plato (427 BCE – 347 BCE) - A student of Socrates - His teachings and writings were considered the foundation of Western Philosophy. - Theory of Forms – everything that exists is based on an idea or template that can only be perceived in the mind; these nonphysical ideas are external and unchanging. - Dialectic – a method of inquiry where two opposing ideas are discussed in an attempt to arrive at a new knowledge. - Academy – an institution of higher learning which was the first of tis kind in the Western World. Aristotle (384 BCE – 322 BCE) - Attended the Academy, and was a prominent student of Plato - Involved in a great variety of disciplines such as zoology, psychology, ethics, and politics. - Also proposed a system of classification of plants and animals - Deductive reasoning – the process by which specific statement are analyzed to reach a conclusion or generalization. WHY IS THERE A NEED TO PHILOSOPHIZE? Which drive man to philosophize? ❖ Sense of wonder (Plato) - When confronted with experience, we always wonder how it came about. - Man’s overbounding curiosity drives him to ask questions. - This perspective drives the need of a philosopher to question, examine, and learn more. ❖ Doubt (Rene Descartes) - 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. ❖ Experience (Karl Jaspers) - Human person is often confronted by experiences which challenge his ideas and frameworks. These experiences are called limit situations and are often accompanied by feelings of helplessness, anxiety or dread. - Philosophy provides us a means to understand adverse or challenging conditions, and to rise above them and gain new knowledge and perspectives. ❖ Love of Wisdom - To love wisdom is to have insatiable desire for truth. A philosopher does not seek knowledge to claim ownership of it; and one who engages in philosophy is not satisfied with figuring out the answer to a question. He seeks to continue to question, to probe, and to discuss in order to get to the bottom things. - Socrates: “I know that I do not know…” it is in accepting this state of ignorance that one can begin to learn and understand. “the unexamined life is not worth living”. Nowhere is it more appropriate to embark on philosophy than in an examination of our own life. HOW DO WE CHARACTERIZE THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY? Various viewpoints, thoughts, and approaches in philosophy: Philosophy as a way of analyzing frameworks. Framework - 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 and values. It 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. Example, separation experience of child from his/her family. Philosophy can be thought of as an examination of a particular area of knowledge. - Philosophy is examination and questioning –often applied in the analysis of the framework of other areas or sciences. E.g. philosophy of science – seek to understand the fundamental principles that guide scientific thought. Philosophy of religion – examines the basic tenets of any faith. Philosophy of education, political philosophy, philosophy of history etc. Philosophy is a distinct area of knowledge with its own goals, concerns, and ways of doing things. - Aesthetics – deals with beauty and what things “beautiful” - Logic – deals with correct reasoning - Epistemology – study of knowledge. Deals with nature of knowledge and knowing. - Ethics – deals with moral questions and dilemmas - Political philosophy – studies governments. Deals with questions of justice, power and the rights and obligations of citizens. - Metaphysics – deals with questions regarding reality and existence. - Philosophy of the human person – understands the human person—integrating and synthesizing the different branches of philosophy and other fields of study to know the truth about human person. Important facts about philosophizing: Philosophy is a reflective and meditative activity A method of mental exercise DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLISTIC THINKING AND PARTIAL THINKING Partial thinking - Focuses on specific aspects of a situation. - The partial view is an important component of analytical thinking, as an individual focuses on certain areas or aspects of a problem in order to understand it. Example: doctors focuses on certain symptoms to determine the cause of the illness. Holistic thinking - a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in system. - Often described as looking at the “big picture” when describing and analyzing a situation or problem Example; doctor look at the “big picture” and view the patient’s illness as an aspect of his/her lifestyle and personal circumstances. - Requires an individual to have an open mindset and an ability to get the general sense or impression regarding a situation. - Holistic approach in thinking encourages us not only to be more critical but also to be more considerate in dealing with others. - Holistic view give rise to a more appreciative perspective about life, as we are able to look at life in its totality HOW DOES ONE ENGAGE IN RFLECTION? 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. One can reflect on almost any subject. Example: Going to school, Buying clothes - Reflection is vital in insuring that our actions and decisions are well thought out and are done with due regard for their implications and consequences on ourselves, others, and our surroundings. WHAT ARE THE PRACTICAL USES OF PHILOSOPHY IN OUR LIVES? 1. Philosophy enables the person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems. - We don’t simply accept or reject whatever is presented to us., e.g. issues in social media. 2. Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making - Analyze dilemma, identify significant aspects and come up with solutions. 3. A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately present his/her ideas. - Philosophy help to be more open to new ideas - Develop our communication skills - Trains us to be very clear and precise about our thoughts/sentiments. 4. Wisdom - Product of philosophizing - Person’s ability to apply knowledge to daily life. 5. Knowledge of philosophy contribute to self-development - Encourages us to know ourselves - Help us know our strength and weaknesses - Helps establish our identity and determine our purpose in life. - Our capacity for inquiry, critical thinking, and reflection helps us to become better students, professional etc. Prepared by: Diana C. Baguistan hjhkhkulkhlkhj Special Science Teacher I