Lewis Vaughn What is Philosophy

·               Lewis Vaughn, What Is Philosophy?

-                Definition of philosophy

Philosophy is defined as a disciple that examines the most fundamental beliefs that structure our lives, shape worldviews, and underpin all academic fields

-                Its relevance

Philosophy is relevant because:

It deals with major real life issues such as whether actions are morally right or wrong

Whether humans have free will

Whether God exists

What justice is

What we can truly know

-                Its utility

The reason it’s useful is that it helps us:

Examine and question unexamined beliefs

Rise above cultural bias and prejudice

Think more clearly and critically

Develop stronger reasoning skills

Gain deeper understanding of important ideas

Make beliefs truly our own by grounding them in reason

-    Its divisions

4 Main Branches

·      Metaphysics – Study of reality and existence

Example: Is the mind the same as the body? Do we have free will? Does God exist?

·      Axiology – Study of value

(This includes ethics such as moral value, and aesthetic value)

Example: What makes actions right or wrong? Are moral standards objective?

·      Epistemology – Study of knowledge

Example: What is knowledge? When can we say we know something?

·      Logic – Study of correct reasoning

Example: What makes an argument valid? How do we reason correctly?