Pythagoras of Samons- first to use the term
philosopher means empty tablet
THREE STATEMENTS THAT DEFINE PHILOSOPHY:
1. Philosophy integrates itself with other disciplines
to have a more coherent world view.
- It is not limited to a portion of human
experience.
2. Philosophy analyzes the foundation of other
disciplines.
- It concerns itself with the roots of discipline.
3. Philosophy analyzes and criticizes beliefs.
- Seeks to know the good and importance of
ones beliefs
Miletus, 600BC- Greek colony that serves as the origin
of Philosophy
Theoretical Philosophy- knowing things as they are
without thinking of application
- Ultimately aims for knowledge and truth
- Person contemplates/reflects the truth of
the nature as well as the relations of things
Practical Philosophy- things which are material and
useful; goal is to find truth and act on it
Metaphysics- from the word meta: beyond, and
physikon: nature; investigates the fundamental
nature of reality, being and existence
- Presents what is absolutely real in contrast
to what is seen by the naked eye
General metaphysics- ontology: study of being
Special metaphysics- freedom of the will, immortality
and mind-body problem: cosmology,
rational psychology, natural theology
Psychology- from the word psyche: soul and mind, and
logos: the study of
- Theory of the mind; nature and functioning
of the soul, spirit or mind; science of
behavior affected by mental factors
Epistemology- from the word episteme: knowledge and
logos: the study of; so it means the study
of knowledge
- Study of origins; asks fundamental questions
about knowledge
- The study of the nature and scope of
knowledge and justified beliefs
Rationalism- reason is the chief source of knowledge and
the most important
Priori- innate or theoretical knowledge
Empiricism- asserts that knowledge comes from
Experience
Tabula Rasa- John Lockes concept of empiricism which
Sensation- kind of experience where the human mind
grasps the world outside through the five
senses
Reflection- human mind goes internal, recognizing the
ideas regarding its own essence
Theodicy- studies the nature, being, goodness and
justice of God, God-man relations and other
doctrines
- From theos: God, dike: justice of right
- Sometimes referred to as rational theology
Semantics- studies the meaning of words and linguistic
Forms
- From semantikos: significant, semainein:
signify, sema: sign
Logic- study of nature and problems of clear and accurate
thinking; applies law of correct thinking to
arguments
- From logike: systematic
- Most fundamental branch of philosophy
Ethics- study of what is right and wrong in the pursuit of
the good life
- From word ethos: custom
- Also called moral philosophy
Metaethics- origin and meaning of ethical concepts
Normative ethics- setting of certain standards of what is
morally right and morally wrong;
formulation of set values or moral norms
Applied Ethics- apply theories to situations in real life
Aesthetics- studies art and beauty; from word
aisthetikos: of sense perception
Art- mans creativeness and skill in making things that
have form and beauty
Beauty- quality attributed to whatever pleases the
beholder