Philosophy - Lesson 1 PDF

**LESSON 1: WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?** *What questions in your life are you struggling to find answers to?"* The word Philosophy comes from the Greek Words: **philos** (love) and **Sophia** (wisdom). The ancient Greeks used this term to refer to **"love for wisdom"** and they soon applied it to the stu...

**LESSON 1: WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?** *What questions in your life are you struggling to find answers to?"* The word Philosophy comes from the Greek Words: **philos** (love) and **Sophia** (wisdom). The ancient Greeks used this term to refer to **"love for 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 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. It was quite common to hear of ancient philosophers who were "experts" in various fields of learning. **Here are the most notable ancient Greek philosophers:** - **Pythagoras (570 BCE to 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 ang philosophy.  - **Heraclitus (353 BCE to 475 BCE)** - He proposed that everything that exists is based a higher order or plan which he called logos. For him, change is a permanent aspect of the human condition as he was credited to 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 with tiny particles called atoms.  - **Diogenes Of Sinope (412 BCE to 323 BCE)** -- He was known advocate of simple and virtuous life. To Diogenes, one should not talk to virtue but should show it in words or actions. His emphasis on austerity and simplicity often went 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 teaching ang views were later developed by his followers and influence the development of several schools of philosophy such as **Cynicism** and **Stoicism**. - **Epicurus (341 BCE to 270 BCE)** -- He believes that philosophy could enable man to live a life of happiness. His view 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 "midwife" that helped inquiring minds achieve wisdom. He also believed that philosophy could enable a man to live a life with virtue. He was credited with formulating **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 to 347 BCE)** -- A student of Socrates, he wrote down his mentor's teaching and incorporated some of his own ideas into them. His teachings and writings were considered the fountain philosophy. Plato's most significant ideas included his **Theory of Forms**, which proposes that everything that exist 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 idea model of government and society which is ruled by wisdom and reason. Plato is 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. Aristotle was involved in a great variety of disciplines such as zoology, psychology, ethics and politics. 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. From their roots in ancient Greece, the thoughts and ideas of philosophers gained popularity in many places throughout the world. The developments that started in ancient Greece brought about the emergence of Western philosophy. Meanwhile, Eastern Philosophy emerged from the communities and civilizations in Asia. While both philosophies pondered the significant questions regarding human existence, Western philosophy throughout the centuries became more systematic and specialized in its approach. Eastern philosophy, on the other hand, is more fluid and places greater emphasis on social relations, the family and community. **Why is there a need to philosophize?** Philosophers have often wondered and argued about the role of philosophy in man's life. One view is that each of us is a philosopher, whether or not we have studied philosophy. We all have the potential to philosophize since we have the tendency to wonder and doubt. We possess the capacity to reflect on our on our experiences, and we have a never-ending need to learn and discover. 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. Man's overabounding curiosity drives him to ask questions, some of which have no definite answers. Where did we come from? Why do we exist? For what purpose where we created? Consider a small child's curiosity about all the things around him, most of which we encounter for the first time. This perspective drives the need of a philosophers to question, examine, and learn more. The 15^th^ century French philosopher **Rene Descartes** traced the need to philosophize to **doubt**. Descartes was famous for rejecting or questioning established ideas, and he even went far as doubting his own ideas. His method of examining ideas sand perspectives became the basis of critical thinking and analysis in the science. For example, a scientific hypothesis must first be tested and verified before it is accepted as truth. In life we will be faced with several ideas and arguments which presents themselves as "truths". A critical and questioning perspective is necessary to determine if needed these ideas or views are correct or true. The 20^th^ century Swiss-German philosopher **Karl Jasper** saw the need to philosophize because of **experience**. Jasper believed that man is often confronted by experiences which challenge his ideas and frameworks. Jasper called this **limit situation**, and these are often accompanied by feeling of helplessness, anxiety, or dread. For Jaspers, philosophy provides us a means to understand adverse or challenging conditions, and to rise above them and gain new knowledge and perspectives. Finally, the need to philosophize is driven by the **love for wisdom.** To love wisdom is to have an insatiable desire for truth. A philosopher does not seek knowledge to claim ownership to it; and one who engages in philosophy is not satisfied with figuring out the answer to a question. He seeks to continue to a question, to probe, and to discuss in order to get to the bottom of things. The philosopher who exemplified this perspective was **Socrates**. He gained fame for his curiosity and his constant debates with many of the intellectual elite in Greece. Socrates is famous for having the said **"I know that I do not know..."** and it is accepting this state of ignorance that one can begin to learn and understand. By expanding our knowledge through philosophy, we begin to realize that learning is unceasing -- there is a lot more to learn and experience in life. Socrates is also recognized for his motto: "**The unexamined life is not worth living**." And nowhere is it more appropriate to embark on philosophy that in an examination of our own life. **Branches Of Philosophy** *To answer the question " Where am I?"* - **Metaphysics** -- deals with questions regarding reality and existence. *To answer the question "How do I know it?"* - **Epistemology** -- study of nature and means of human knowledge. - **Logic** -- a science and art of correct thinking and reasoning. *To answer the question "What should I do?"* - **Ethics or Morality** -- deals with human actions whether good and bad, right or wrong, acceptable - **Aesthetics** -- deals with the nature of art/objective judgement of beauty. - **Politics** -- deals with the principles of social system. **Philosophy of the Human Person** is an area in philosophy that understands the human person from a philosophical perspective -- integrating and synthesizing the different branches of philosophy and other fields of study to know the truth about the human person. However complex and varied perceptions, they suggest two important facts about philosophizing: **philosophy is a reflective and meditative activity**, and it has no designated subject matter on his own. It is also **a method of mental exercise** on any type of experience. When confronting human experience, philosophers often employ tools that engage the mind in analyzing problems and situations. For instance, in discussing also engage the mind in this form of philosophizing when they ponder possible consequences regarding their actions. When one imagines certain alternatives and possible outcomes, one already engages philosophy. Analyze the characteristics of Philosophy by expanding the graphic organizer. **What is the difference between holistic and partial thinking?** **Holistic Thinking** -- refers to a perspective that considers the large-scale patterns in systems. This is often described as looking at the "big picture" All aspects are given importance when making conclusions. **Partial** **Thinking** -- focuses on specific aspects of a situation. Look only on limited number of aspects of the given problem or situation. **How does one engage in reflection?** - **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. - **Framework** -- defined as a way of thinking about the world and is composed of views and beliefs of a person. - **Internal Question** -- are questions dealing with our own correctness and values. - **External Question** -- seek to question the very frameworks upon which people base their own beliefs and views. **What are the practical uses of philosophy in our lives?** Philosophy has an important place in our daily lives. Engaging in philosophical reflection leads to the development of beneficial skills that individuals can apply in everyday situations. **Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of concepts, definition, arguments, and problems**. It also trains us to be critical of our own ideas as well as of others -- meaning, we don't simply accept or reject whatever is presented to us. One can apply this critical and analytical mindset in processing information gained from media and addressing certain issues encountered in life. Critical thinking skills can help us avoid being tricked by false claims or manipulative schemes. **Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision-making**. The ability to analyze a problem or dilemma, identify its significant aspects, and come up with alternative solutions is an important skill learned through philosophy. **Wisdom** is one intended product of philosophizing, and this refers to a person's ability to apply knowledge to daily life particularly in making sound choices and judgement. **Finally, knowledge of philosophy can contribute to self-development**. One can be a better student, scientist, artist, professional, and citizen if he or she has the capacity for inquiry, critical thinking, and reflection. In addition, philosophy encourages a person to know oneself, his or her strengths and weaknesses, establish an identity, and determine his or her purpose in life. Self-knowledge also grows along with one's understanding of the world and this essential to the realization of the self. These are tools to develop one's own ideas and views and engage fully in useful activities in the community, nation, and the world at large.