Chapter 2 Philosophy and Ethics

Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics

  • Course: RELT 340

What is Philosophy?

  • Etymological Perspective: Derived from the Greek words φιλια (love) and σοφια (wisdom) = "love of wisdom"

  • Oxford's Handbook of Philosophy: Described as "thinking about thinking"

  • General Perspective: Viewed as a lifestyle or worldview

  • Narrow Perspective: Considered an academic study

Academic Philosophy

  • Three Main Branches:

    • Ontology: The study of being and existence

    • Epistemology: The study of knowledge and belief

    • Axiology: The study of value and ethics

Metaphysic (Ontology)

  • Derived from Greek: Meta (beyond) + Physics

    • Greek Origin: Meta means "beyond"

    • Example Story of Aristotle: Explanation of "beyond physics"

    • Plato's Example: Discusses the existence of an unseen real red

Epistemology

  • Simple Definition: The study of knowledge

  • Greek Origins: From ἐπιστήμη (knowledge) and λογος (study)

  • Questions Explored:

    • What is knowledge?

    • What is true?

    • How can we know?

  • Example: Descartes' statement "I think, therefore I am"

Axiology (Ethics)

  • Origin: From ἀξία (value, worth)

  • Relationship to Other Philosophical Fields: Especially philosophical ethics

  • Key Questions:

    • What is worth?

    • What is love?

    • How to attain happiness?

  • Example: Moral principles based on divine commands (e.g., do not kill because God commands it)

Philosophical Ethics

  • Three Areas:

    • Descriptive Ethics: Examines beliefs about right and wrong

    • Normative Ethics: Discusses what should be considered right or wrong

    • Metaethics: Investigates the nature and meaning of moral judgments

Meta-Ethics

  • Key Questions:

    • Are there moral truths?

    • What validates moral claims?

    • How do we discern moral facts?

    • What constitutes a moral judgment?

      • Is it belief-like (similar to believing in facts)?

      • Or is it emotion-like (such as feelings of disgust)?

Now is Your Turn…

  • Assignment: Students share their work by:

    • Drawing a computer-generated picture

    • Sharing a related song

    • Telling a story related to philosophy or ethics