intro to philosophy (mod #1)

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water

UNDER EARLY PHILOSOPHY:

when Thales asked, “What is the ultimate reality of which everything is made?”, what was his answer?

• his answer was uniqued and used nature as a tool to explain something

Philosophy

refers to theory concerning a sphere of activity or thought;

uses “first-principle” questions

True

TRUE OR FALSE:

The knowledge philosophy aims at is the kind of knowledge which gives unity and system to the body of the sciences, and the kind which results from a critical examination of the grounds of our convictions, prejudices, and beliefs.

ethics

BRANCHES OF PHILO:

concerned w/ what is good or bad/right or wrong

• Is there any justification for torture?

• Should we redistribute wealth?

• Are there any justifications

epistemology

BRANCHES OF PHILO:

concerned with knowledge & asks why do we know what we know

• How much can we know?

• How reliable are knowledge obtained from our senses?

• What counts as valid data/information?

logic

BRANCHES OF PHILO:

study of valid reasoning & specifically concerned with the form of arguments.

• ex. syllogisms

  • All Lagunenses are hardworking

  • All hardworking people have less than 7 hours of sleep

  • Therefore: All Lagunenses have less

metaphysics

BRANCHES OF PHILO:

concerned with fundamental nature of reality

• ex. Plato’s Theory of Forms

forms

UNDER METAPHYSICS:

according to Plato, these are sort of ideal types or “perfect exemplar”

Plato’s Theory of Forms

UNDER METAPHYSICS:

Plato divided existence into the visible material world (perceived by senses, constantly changing) and the intelligible realm of forms (accessed by reason, eternal and unchanging).

• How often do we see perfectly shaped donuts?

• How often do we see “fairness” in society?

• How often do we see perfect couples (who exhibit a perfect version of love)?

analytic

CONTEMPORARY DIVISION IN PHILO:

philosophy of the mind, mathematical philosophy, logic

• They have a more “objective” approach

•

continental

CONTEMPORARY DIVISION IN PHILO:

political philosophy, philosophy of art/literature

• More concerned with art, culture,

True

TRUE OR FALSE:

Philosophy, though unable to tell us with certainty what is the true answer to the doubts which it raises, is able to suggest many possibilities which enlarge our thoughts and free them from the tyranny of custom. — on why study philosophy.