Intro to Philosophy – Key Concepts

What is Philosophy?

  • Philosophy is the critical study of core questions that underlie our knowledge about ourselves, our world, our universe and beyond.

  • It uses critical and creative thinking to examine fundamental questions: meaning of life, nature of good and evil, reliability of knowledge, foundations of human rights and responsibilities, functions of government, and the value of art.

  • It is the practice of thinking about thinking: exploring content, formulating questions, making connections, self-reflecting, and viewing issues from a critical perspective.

Why Philosophy Matters

  • Everything from the structure of democratic governments to due process of law, to medicine and software, has roots in philosophy.

  • Philosophy helps explain why we study it and how it relates to our lives.

The Big Questions (Six Big Philosophical Questions)

  • What is a person?

  • What is a meaningful life?

  • What is beauty?

  • What are good and evil?

  • What is a just society?

  • What can be known?

Philosophy vs. Other Disciplines

  • Philosophy vs Sociology/Psychology/Political Science: philosophy asks different kinds of questions, often abstract, about reality, knowledge, and how to act.

  • Philosophy vs Religion: emphasis on reason and argument over rituals; may include beliefs but relies on critical thinking.

  • Philosophy = the practice of thinking about thinking; involves content exploration, question formulation, and self-reflection.

How Philosophy Is Defined vs Pop Culture Uses

  • People talk about personal philosophy or slogans, but the academic definition focuses on rigorous, critical examination of fundamental questions.

  • Let’s get back to basics: philosophy is a discipline grounded in reasoning about the most foundational aspects of life and reality.

Galileo Quote

"Philosophy is written in this grand book, the universe, which stands continually open to our gaze. But the book cannot be understood unless one first learns to comprehend the language and read the letters in which it is composed." —Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)

Historical Perspective

  • The earliest philosophers connected elements of human life using reason and logic, moving away from superstition.

  • Philosophy, unlike religion, emphasizes reasoning; it studies abstract and real-world problems about reality, knowledge, and action.

  • It is the practice of thinking about thinking and exploring the BIG questions of existence.

Core Questions in Philosophy

  • What is a person?

  • What is a meaningful life?

  • What is beauty?

  • What are good and evil?

  • What is a just society?

  • What can be known?

Practical Reference

  • Philosophical Statement Assignment (Philosophical Statement Assignment) is mentioned as part of course work (see folder for details).