Philosophy: Introduction

Philosophy

arriving at truths in an objective way; love/passion for knowledge/wisdom
“PHILOS” - love/passion
“SOPHIA” - knowledge/wisdom
Classical Definition: the science, through the light of natural reason alone studies the ^^ultimate principles (foundations/bases of reality)^^ of all things
Simpler Definition: the intellectual search for the ultimate meaning of life [we, by nature, are philosophers]
Theoretical discipline; logical
Using the power of human reason/intellect in understanding the starting points/causes of the world (anticipate events in the future)

Approaches/Issues in Philosophy

Metaphysics

study of reality/existence
Plato vs. Aristotle [Plato: Father of Western Philosophy]

PLATO	ARISTOTLE
what is real is not the world we see right nowWhat is real—Beyond spiritual dimensionsIdeas/concepts of things [because they do not change]Abstract is truth; physical region is not true	abstract reality is falseWhat is real—Physical world (senses)“To see is to believe”Abstract world -> questions 5 sensesSense data ->truth

Epistemology

Acquisition of knowledge
Gain knowledge of reality/truth
Descartes vs. Hume

DESCARTES	HUME
use rationality	reason can be questionedNo theory because does not meet realityDo not expect much on the futureDon’t think too much and live in the present and open to possibilities of self-actualization

*METAPHYSICS & EPISTEMOLOGY = COMPLEMENTARY

Philosophy of Religion

“the arguments for & against God’s existence”
For God’s existence vs. Against God’s existence

FOR GOD’S EXISTENCE	AGAINST GOD’S EXISTENCE
St. Thomas AquinasThe argument from designWorld is rational and intelligibleEverything in the world has a purposeRational because there is a great designer [God]	Feuerbach“God is a projection”Worshipping own natureAttributes linked with our own existenceSelf-glorificationMarx“Religion is the opium of the people”ProjectionReligion > drug [the more you worship religion, you do injustice to yourself]To achieve progression -> engage in actionBelieve in self-authorityNietzsche“God is dead”Total rejection of Gods/gods in generalAchieve self-discoveryTo be happy and free -> DOMINATE

FOR GOD’S EXISTENCE

AGAINST GOD’S EXISTENCE

St. Thomas AquinasThe argument from designWorld is rational and intelligibleEverything in the world has a purposeRational because there is a great designer [God]

Feuerbach“God is a projection”Worshipping own natureAttributes linked with our own existenceSelf-glorificationMarx“Religion is the opium of the people”ProjectionReligion > drug [the more you worship religion, you do injustice to yourself]To achieve progression -> engage in actionBelieve in self-authorityNietzsche“God is dead”Total rejection of Gods/gods in generalAchieve self-discoveryTo be happy and free -> DOMINATE

Logic

science of correct reasoning
Arguments - forms of reasonings expressed in words/symbols
- Premise - claims
- Conclusion - final assertion about the world
2 Types of Arguments
- Deductive Arguments
- General/universal to specific instances leading to a conclusion about life
- Comprehensive claim/truth backed up by certain scientific facts leading to a certain conclusion about life
- EXAMPLE: “All men are mortal” (general) ; “Socrates is a man” (specific) ; therefore, Socrates is a mortal.

*can become hasty/assumptive in their way of thinking

Inductive Arguments
- Specific instances to general conclusions about life
- Science and experimentation
- More logically sound [checking deductive arguments]

*social norms->power relations->dominating purposes

Cosmology

origin/standpoint of the world
Standpoint of religion [God created the world]
Darwin [evolution of matter]
- Conservation of energy
- No distinction between man and animals (same footing)
- Reason/rationality/conscience -> forced upon humans

Ethics

morality -> good or bad
Universal (Plato) vs. Relative (Nietzsche & Camus)

UNIVERSAL (PLATO)	RELATIVE (NIETZSCHE & CAMUS)
concept of good or bad is common to all	human beings are different from each other; morality is also differentUniversal morality - enslavementSocial constructs that do injustice to relative reality