Week 2 Lecture Note PDF

THE METHODS IN PHILOSOPHY. GST 211. What is a Method? Can be seen as a procedure , pattern or process of doing something. It is the quality of being well organized and systematic in thoughts or action. It is a particular way of doing something....

THE METHODS IN PHILOSOPHY. GST 211. What is a Method? Can be seen as a procedure , pattern or process of doing something. It is the quality of being well organized and systematic in thoughts or action. It is a particular way of doing something. 1 What is a Method in Philosophy? In philosophy, a method refers to a systematic and structured approach of: 1.Investigating philosophical questions 2. Analyzing concepts and arguments 3. Developing and evaluating theories 4. Addressing philosophical Problems 2 Characteristics of Philosophical methods: 1.Systematic: it follows a clear and organized pattern. 2. Explicit: it clearly articulates assumptions and principles. 3. Critical: it evaluates, challenges and scrutinizes existing knowledge 4. Reflective: it considers multiple perspectives and biases. 3 Types of Philosophical Methods: 1.Deductive Method: is a process of deriving conclusions from premises using logical rules.It is a logical approach moving from general ideas to a particular or specific conclusion. Example. All Men are Mortal David is a Man Therefore ,David is Mortal. 2. Inductive Method: Making generalizations from specific observations. It is a logical method of making inferences or conclusions from specific to general. Example. Student A is stubborn Student B is stubborn Student C is stubborn 4  Therefore , all Students are stubborn. 3. Analytic Method: Breaking down complex concepts into simpler components.This group asserts that whatever cannot be verified is meaningless.The verification principle is held highly by this movement. 4. Synthetic Method: Combining individual elements to form a comprehensive understanding. 5. Dialectical Method: Examining opposing views to arrive at a higher level of understanding. 6.Phenomenological Method: it investigates conscious experience and subjective phenomena. 7. Hermeneutical Method: Interpreting texts and understanding meaning. 5 What we should be looking for in Philosophizing: 1.Clarity: Clear articulation of concepts and arguments 2. Consistency: Logical coherence and consistency 3. Rigor: Thorough and meticulous analysis 4. Objectivity: Attempting to transcend personal biases 5.Open-mindedness: Considering alternative perspectives. 6.Distinctiveness:the methods must be unique and different. 6  EXPLANATION Socratic Method Is one of the oldest method of Philosophizing.Socrates used this technique in dialogues,engaging his Peers in conversations where he asked probing questions.Rather than providing direct answers, Socrates would challenge others to examine their beliefs,uncover contradictions and refine their understanding. This method was about discovering one’s level of ignorance and the pursuit of truth through dialogue. Asks questions to stimulate critical thinking. Exposes assumptions and encourages wisdom. Seeks knowledge through self-examination. Fosters intellectual humility. 7 Method of Deduction Derives conclusions from premises. Uses logical rules to ensure certainty. Assumes premises are true. Arrives at definitive conclusions. Method of Induction Makes generalizations from observations. Identifies patterns and probabilities. Draws conclusions from specific instances. Forms probabilistic theories. Existential Method Emphasizes individual freedom and choice. Focuses on subjective human experience. Reveals inherent meaninglessness. Encourages personal responsibility. This is traceable to Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre,Soren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche. The emphasis here is on the importance of personal experience and the subjective nature of reality. 8 It is also concerned with individual Existence, the choices they make.It is about the lived experience of being human, and struggling with the freedom and responsibility that comes with it. Analytic Method This method places a strong emphasis on clarity,precision and logical analysis. To make complex ideas simple and meaningful. It is traceable to the early 20th Century with Proponents like Bertrand Russell and Ludwig Wittgenstein. It involves a meticulous examination of Language and logical structure. The goal of this method is to eliminate ambiguity. Breaks down complex concepts,Examines individual components. Clarifies relationships and meanings. Seeks clear understanding. Synthetic Method Combines individual elements. Forms comprehensive understanding. 9 Reveals relationships and context. Integrates diverse perspectives. Phenomenological Method Examines conscious experience.Suspends assumptions and biases.Analyzes subjective phenomena.Seeks essential structures. This is traceable to Edmund Husserl in the 20th Century, Phenomenology is concerned with the subjective experience of individuals.It emphasizes the importance of Perception, consciousness and the meaning things have in our experiences. Husserl believes that by suspending our preconception and focusing purely on our experience ,we could uncover the essence of things. Cartesian Method Systematically doubts assumptions. 10 Seeks clear and distinct ideas. Establishes rational foundations. Guarantees knowledge through reason. Hegelian Method: It examines contradictory forces. It reconciles opposites through synthesis.Unfolds historical and logical dialectics. It arrives at absolute knowledge. It is often used in debates, political discourse and Philosophical discussion where opposing views are presented and resolution is sought. It resolves contradictions within ideas. It involves the process of Thesis,anti-thesis and synthesis. The anti- Thesis is the direct opposition to the thesis, a counter argument or conflicting idea.The synthesis is the resolution,the combination of the two refined. Kantian Method Critically examines assumptions. Synthesizes empirical and rational knowledge. Examines conditions of possibility. Establishes limits of understanding. 11 This method is used to analyze how fundamental concepts like time,space and Causality structure our experience of reality.It provides a framework for understanding how we come to know anything at all.It is a critical tool for examining the boundaries and conditions of human experience. What is Causality? Causality is the relationship between cause and effect. It examines how events, actions, or states influence others. What is a Cause? A cause is an event, action, or state that produces, influences, or necessitates another event or state. It is the preceding factor that contributes to the occurrence of a subsequent phenomenon. What is an Effect? An effect is the resulting event, state, or outcome that follows from a cause, demonstrating a relation of dependence or consequence. It is the outcome or consequence of a prior cause or set of causes. 12 PRAGMATIC METHOD It is a philosophical method that emphasizes the practical consequences and utility of ideas.It evaluates the truth of ideas based on the effectiveness and practical application. If an idea is well practice and solves real life Problems,it is considered valuable. There is a shift from abstract theory to how ideas function in real life situations. This is traceable to Charles Sanders Peirce and William James. 13 Conclusion By employing systematic and structured methods, philosophers aim to: 1. Develop well-informed theories 2. Evaluate and critique existing knowledge 3. Address complex philosophical questions 4. Advance understanding and insight. Philosophical methods provide a framework for critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving, enabling philosophers to navigate complex issues and develop informed perspectives. 14