Introduction to Philosophy

What is Involved in Doing Philosophy?

  • Human beings have been doing philosophy throughout history.
  • Philosophy involves asking questions and discussing them.
  • Philosophical questions should be important and matter in the grand scheme of things.
  • The answer to a philosophical question should have the potential to impact one's life, worldview, or fundamental beliefs.
  • Examples of philosophical questions:
    • What happens when we die?
    • Why are we here?
    • What criteria determine if an action is right or wrong?
    • Are there immaterial objects?
    • Do we have a soul
  • When engaging in philosophical discussions, the goal is to arrive at an answer to the question at hand.
  • Philosophers present their answers in the form of arguments, providing reasons and evidence to support their claims.
  • Different philosophers may offer different answers to the same question, each with their own arguments.
  • The task then becomes to evaluate the various answers and determine which one makes the most sense, has the most evidence, and is the most rational and logical.
  • It is acceptable to reject certain answers if they are deemed incorrect due to lack of evidence or logical inconsistencies.
  • Philosophers believe that well-reasoned arguments can lead to a change in beliefs, which in turn can alter behaviors and the trajectory of one's life.
  • An argument can matter and influence a person's life.
  • Top influences in life:
    • Family.
    • Friends.
    • Beliefs.
    • Triumphs and tragedies.
    • Arguments one finds persuasive.
  • Once one realizes the significance of arguments, they develop an interest in the arguments of people in the past and present.
  • Philosophy starts with important questions, which are discussed to arrive at answers in the form of arguments.
  • Those who engage in philosophy believe that logic, reason, and evidence can guide human beings to discover what is actually true about reality.
  • It involves critical thinking about questions that matter.
  • Philosophy improves mental and logical capacities and critical thinking skills.
  • Doing philosophy is critically thinking about questions that matter.

Socratic Method

  • The Socratic method involves asking questions to get people to think critically.
  • Three main questions asked by Socrates:
    • How do you know that? (seeking facts and evidence)
      • This question aims to uncover the evidence supporting a person's belief.
      • If someone has a belief, they should be able to provide reasons and evidence to support it.
      • Sincerity alone does not equate to truth; evidence is necessary.
    • What do you mean? (seeking definitions and explanations)
      • Socrates wanted to ensure that terms were clearly defined and that beliefs were explained in a way that others could understand.
      • It is important to be able to explain why a belief makes sense to the person holding it.
      • Accurate definitions of terms are crucial for fruitful conversations.
    • What is your point? (seeking the logic of the discussion)
      • This question aims to ensure that the conversation proceeds in a logical manner.
      • Ask this to make sure you understand why the point is being brought up and how it relates to the previous discussion.
      • Logic should be the guiding principle of the conversation.
  • Example of using the Socratic method:
    • Questioning someone's statement by pointing out logical fallacies or inconsistencies.
    • Using analogies to illustrate a point but ensuring that the analogy is relevant and has significant similarities.

Areas of Philosophy

  • Areas of philosophical inquiry are classified based on the questions that matter.
  • The areas of philosophy are:
    • Epistemology: Deals with the issue of knowledge.
      • Any question related to how we know, what knowledge is, how we acquire knowledge, etc.
    • Metaphysics: Deals with the study of the nature of reality and what kinds of things exist.
      • Questions about the cause of the universe, the existence of a soul, the nature of consciousness.
    • Ethics: Deals with the study of right and wrong conduct and right and wrong character.
      • What criteria determine right and wrong, how we should live, what is worth pursuing.
    • Philosophy of Religion: Asks critical questions related to religious claims.
      • Examines the rationality and justification of religious beliefs.
    • Aesthetics: The study of beauty and art.
    • Logic: The study of right reason.
  • Basic components of a good argument will be the covered in the following videos.