Methods of Philosophizing PDF

LESSON: METHODS OF PHILOSOPHISING (WEEK 3) PART 1 INTRODUCTION Thinking we know is not the same as knowing. We can think what we know, be certain we know, proclaim loudly that we know, and yet not know all. Our ideas do not constitute knowledge unless they correspond to reality....

LESSON: METHODS OF PHILOSOPHISING (WEEK 3) PART 1 INTRODUCTION Thinking we know is not the same as knowing. We can think what we know, be certain we know, proclaim loudly that we know, and yet not know all. Our ideas do not constitute knowledge unless they correspond to reality. It is obvious that there were situations where we believe we know, but really don’t know, pose an obstacle to looking for truth. Look at this, “Why should anyone go to the trouble to investigate a matter or listen to opposing testimony if she believes she knows already?” It is important to know the dynamics of knowing – how we come to know, and what kinds of knowledge is most trustworthy. How do we express what we know? We usually express what we know in different ways. We express them by facts, opinions, assumptions, beliefs, and prejudices. Some of these are personal while the other are objectives. These sources were filtered by our values, feeling, taste and past experiences. The mind map below specifies the details of each way of knowing: Figure 1. Ways of Knowing 1 What is an opinion? By definition, opinion express our decisions about life. We collect them from experiences, or adopt them from others, and store them in our memory files. They may be based on a careful study or evidence, or they may not. They may even be confused with facts. Types of Opinion Opinions can take the form of judgments, advice, generalizations, or sentiments. Each type needs to be evaluated differently. The diagram below shows the different types of opinions. Figure 2. Types of Opinion 2 Judgment is based on personal or collective codes of values. They can be derived from careful consideration or from those knee-jerk reactions called “snap judgments.” Judgment for instance: this is good, this is bad; this is right, this is wrong; this should be, this should not be. Look at the following two examples and provide a third example of your own. 1. Men and women should not share college bathrooms. 2. That car you bought was a lemon. 3. Advice category: you should do this; you should not do this. Example of such opinions are as follows: 1. I wouldn’t advertise for a roommate if I were you. 2. You need a new car. 3. Generalization is typically preceded by the word all, no, or some. In this manner, the opinion is housed in a generalization in order to suggest that it represents a general truth. 1. Children in the Philippines are pressured to grow up too fast. 2. Nothing comes without a price. 3. Sentiments is a personal taste or feelings: I like this; I don’t like that. Such opinions do not need to be defended with evidence or reasons. They are matter of preference that do not need to be justified. Here are some examples of such opinions: 1. Movies aren’t much fun without popcorn. 2. Backpacking is the best kind of vacation. 3. Fact or Opinion The object of our beliefs is truth, but truth is not readily available. Truth must be worked out. We should evaluate whether our beliefs are acceptable or true. In doing this, we should know how to distinguish fact from opinion. The chart below shows the distinction between fact and opinion with some of their examples. Table 1. Facts versus Opinion 3 References Mayfiels, Marlys. (2004). Thinking for yourself: developing critical thinking skills through reading and writing. 6th ed. Boston: Thomson Corporation. Christian, James L. (1998). Philosophy: an introduction to the art of wondering. 7th ed. New York: Harcourt Brace College Publishers. Moga, Michael D., S.J. (1989). Invitation to wonder: an introduction to philosophical thought. Manila: Solar Publishing Corporation. 4