What is Philosophy?

Based on Crash Course Philosophy #1: What is Philosophy?

What does the word “philosophy” mean?

Love of wisdom

What shift marked the beginning of philosophy in ancient Greece?

Moving from mythos (story-based explanations) to logos (reason-based explanations).

What does philosophy aim to do?

Ask fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, and values using reasoned argument.

What is mythos?

Story-based, traditional, or supernatural explanations for how the world works.

What is pathos?

Emotional appeal used to persuade through feelings rather than logic.

What is logos?

Reason, logic, and evidence-based explanation.

What is metaphysics?

The study of reality and existence (e.g., free will, identity, time).

What is epistemology?

The study of knowledge—what it is, how we get it, and what counts as justified belief.

What is value theory?

The study of what matters, including ethics, political philosophy, and aesthetics.

Why is logic important in philosophy?

It helps build strong arguments and avoid fallacies.

What is a fallacy?

An error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid or misleading.

How does philosophy help in everyday life?

It improves critical thinking, argumentation, open-mindedness, and decision-making.

What does philosophy encourage us to examine?

Our assumptions, beliefs, and the reasoning behind them.