The Methods Of Philosophy Lead To Wisdom And Truth and Evaluating Opinions

Introduction to Philosophy of the Human Person

• Title: Realizing That the Methods of Philosophy Lead to Wisdom and Truth

Learning Objectives

• Define philosophical methodology.

• Identify the goal of the methods of philosophy.

• Understand how philosophy arrives at wisdom and truth.

Methodology

• Definition: A set of methods, procedures, and techniques aimed at:

  • a.) Validating, clarifying, and justifying existing knowledge.

  • b.) Establishing new knowledge.

Components of Methodology

• Contains important and specific methods, rules, and ideas to:

  • Analyze concepts, ideas, and knowledge.

  • Pursue knowledge in a controlled and directed manner.

Example of Methodology

• Phenomenon: Poverty

  • Questions to consider:

    • In what way should I look at this phenomenon?

    • How should I understand it?

    • How should I evaluate it?

    • What suggestions can I conclude for solving it?

The End Goal of Philosophy

• Philosophy seeks wisdom and truth through the pursuit of knowledge.

  • Value is placed on the process of searching as well as the awareness of its potential end.

Philosophical Method

• A way of thinking through philosophical problems, often concerned with:

  • Existence

  • Soul

  • Reality

  • Truth

  • God

Philosophical Method vs Philosophical Theory

• Method: The procedure or principles to arrive at a conclusion.

• Theory: The conclusion reached through methods.

Examples of Philosophical Methods

Cartesian Method

• Four Rules of Cartesian Method:

  1. Never accept anything as true unless it is without doubt.

  2. Divide each problem into as many parts as possible.

  3. Begin with the simplest issues and progress to the more complex.

  4. Enumerate all parts and review to ensure nothing is omitted.

• Emphasizes: clarity, distinctness, and intuitive knowledge.

Pragmatic Method

• Values and truth derived from practical consequences and usefulness of ideas.

• Opposes absolutes; knowledge is viewed as relative and plural.

Socratic Method

• Uses dialogue to seek truth through systematic questioning.

Philosophical Method

• No universal philosophical method exists; various perspectives and methods are essential for understanding philosophical issues.

Summary of Philosophical Methods

• Understanding philosophy involves recognizing:

  • Means of thinking over problems.

  • The goal to gain wisdom and truth.

  • Differentiation between methodology and theory.

Evaluating Opinions

Learning Objectives

• Define fallacies.

• Identify common fallacies in statements of opinion.

• Evaluate opinions using identified fallacies.

Definition of Opinion

• Opinions are subjective beliefs or judgments that cannot be verified with evidence.

  • Prone to fallacies due to their emotional basis.

Logical Fallacies

• Definition: Common errors in reasoning that weaken arguments, often persuasive and difficult to identify.

Types of Fallacies

1. Argumentum ad Hominem: Attacks a person's character instead of their argument.

   • Example: Discrediting research based on a researcher’s character.

2. Argumentum ad Baculum: Uses threats to persuade acceptance of a conclusion.

   • Example: A manager threatening employees with resignation.

3. Argumentum ad Populum: Appeals to popularity; assumes something is true because it is widely accepted.

   • Example: Assuming a candidate is good because many support them.

4. Hasty Generalization: Draws broad conclusions from insufficient evidence.

   • Example: Assuming all philosophy courses are hard from one experience.

5. Red Herring: Distracts from the main issue by introducing a separate topic.

   • Example: Shifting the focus to budget issues rather than the proposal at hand.

6. Appeal to Ignorance: Claims something is true if it hasn’t been proven false.

   • Example: Assuming a policy is good just because no one objected.

7. Post hoc ergo propter hoc: Assumes causation based on sequence of events.

   • Example: Believing sickness was caused by drinking bottled water simply because it followed.

8. Circular Argument: Uses a conclusion as a premise, forming a circular reasoning.

   • Example: Claiming someone is a great speaker because they speak effectively.

9. Slippery Slope: Asserts that one event will lead inevitably to another, often worse, event.

   • Example: Suggesting military involvement will escalate into widespread death.

10. Appeal to Pity: Uses emotions and sympathy to gain support for an opinion.

• Example: Emphasizing personal struggle to justify deserving an award.

11. Straw Man: Misrepresents an opponent’s argument to make it easier to attack.

• Example: Claiming opponents of minimum wage increases hate the poor.

Evaluating Opinions and Fallacies

• Evaluation involves asking relevant questions, assessing arguments, and seeking evidence.

• Reflect on personal fallacies committed in debates to improve argumentative skills.

Summary of Fallacies in Evaluating Opinions

• Identifying various fallacies and their characteristics is crucial in evaluating opinions.

• Recognizing how arguments can be distorted or misleading helps develop critical thinking.