GE 2 Ethics: Introduction to Philosophy

This set covers the fundamental definitions, etymology, and the four major branches of philosophy as presented in the GE 2 Ethics lecture.

How does the transcript define philosophy?

Philosophy is the science that studies the reality of things or beings according to their ultimate causes, principles, and nature through human reason alone.

Who coined the term philosophy and when did he live?

The term was coined by Pythagoras, a mathematician and early Greek philosopher who lived from $570-504$ BC.

What is the etymological origin of the word 'philosophy'?

It comes from the Greek words 'philo' (love) and 'sophia' (wisdom), literally meaning 'love of wisdom'.

What are 'values' according to the lecture?

Values are the principles or ideals held as important, good, desirable, or worthwhile; they are basic beliefs linked to identity that guide attitudes and behaviors.

How is wisdom defined in the transcript?

Wisdom is the ability or result of an ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight.

What are the four major branches of philosophy represented by the acronym MALE?

Metaphysics, Axiology, Logic, and Epistemology.

What does the branch of Metaphysics deal with?

It deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space.

What is the literal meaning of 'Metaphysics' based on its Greek roots?

META means 'beyond' and PHYSICS means 'physical,' making it the study of things beyond the physical or things that cannot be experienced.

What did Aristotle call Metaphysics?

Aristotle’s Metaphysics is referred to as the first Philosophy.

What term is often used by philosophers as a synonym for 'metaphysics'?

Ontology.

What are the three specific areas of study under Metaphysics mentioned in the notes?

Cosmology (Universe and Origin), Theology (Nature of God and Religious Belief), and Anthropology (origin and development of human societies and cultures).

What is Axiology and what is its alternative name?

Axiology (from Greek 'axios' meaning 'worthy' and 'logos' meaning 'science') is also called the Theory Of Value.

Under Axiology, what does Ethics specifically study?

Ethics (from 'ethos' meaning custom or habit) studies the morality of human actions, how humans ought to act, and the definition of right conduct and a good life.

What are three basic questions asked in the study of Ethics?

1. What is a right conduct? 2. How do we determine a right conduct? 3. What is a good life and can we attain it?

What is the focus of Aesthetics in Axiology?

It is concerned with the nature of beauty and the nature of taste, and functions as the philosophy of art.

How is Logic defined in the transcript?

Logic is the study of right/correct reasoning and the tool philosophers use to study other categories, involving deductive thinking and the avoidance of fallacies.

What is Epistemology?

Epistemology is the study of knowledge, dealing with the process by which we know something is true and addressing how knowledge is acquired.

In Epistemology, what is the difference between Empirical and Authoritative knowledge?

Empirical Knowledge is derived from senses and experiences, while Authoritative Knowledge comes from experts.

In Epistemology, what is the difference between Rationalist and Intuitive knowledge?

Rationalist Knowledge is derived from reasons and logic, while Intuitive Knowledge is based on subjective judgment and gut feelings rather than specific learning.