Lewis Vaughn What is Philosophy

Philosophy

A discipline that examines the most fundamental beliefs that structure our lives, shape worldviews, and underpin all academic fields.

Relevance of philosophy

It deals with major real-life issues such as moral actions, free will, existence of God, justice, and knowledge.

Metaphysics

The study of reality and existence.

Example of metaphysics

Questions about whether the mind is the same as the body, if we have free will, and if God exists.

Axiology

The study of value, including ethics and aesthetics.

Example of axiology

Questions about what makes actions right or wrong and whether moral standards are objective.

Epistemology

The study of knowledge.

Example of epistemology

Questions about what knowledge is and when we can claim to know something.

Logic

The study of correct reasoning.

Example of logic

Questions about what makes an argument valid and how we reason correctly.

Utility of philosophy

It helps us examine beliefs, rise above cultural bias, think critically, develop reasoning skills, and understand important ideas.

Moral actions

Actions evaluated as right or wrong in ethical discussions.

Free will

The concept of whether humans have the ability to choose their actions independently.

Existence of God

Philosophical discussions regarding the reality of a deity.

Justice

The concept of fairness and moral rightness in society.

Knowledge

Justified true belief, explored in epistemology.

Unexamined beliefs

Beliefs that have not been critically analyzed or questioned.

Cultural bias

Prejudice or favoritism towards a particular culture, often unrecognized.

Critical thinking

The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgment.

Reasoning skills

The ability to think logically and form coherent arguments.

Deeper understanding

A more profound comprehension of significant concepts and ideas.

Grounding beliefs

Establishing beliefs based on reason rather than assumption.

Branches of philosophy

The main divisions within philosophy: metaphysics, axiology, epistemology, and logic.

Moral value

The degree to which actions, behaviors, and decisions align with ethical standards.

Aesthetic value

The worth or significance of something based on its beauty or artistic expression.

Valid argument

An argument where the conclusion logically follows from the premises.

Correct reasoning

The process of thinking through logic to reach valid conclusions.