What is Philosophy?

Origins Comes from 2 Greek words: Φιλειμ + Σοφια Philein + Sophia Love of + Wisdom

What do others say it means? There will be no end to the troubles of states, or of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands. Plato Wonder is the feeling of the philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder. Plato

What do others say it means? Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.  C. S. Lewis  One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.  Eleanor Roosevelt 

What do others say it means? Science is what you know, philosophy is what you don't know.  Bertrand Russell 

What is philosophy? Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems. Philosophy is different from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational argument. In more casual speech the "philosophy" of a particular person can refer to their beliefs about things. (eg "What is your philosophy of sport?”)

Philosophy is everywhere Whenever you think about the right or wrong thing to do, puzzle over a conundrum such as the meaning of friendship or love wonder about how people ought to live, why evil or pain exists, or even the meaning of life, .....you are philosophizing.

Approach.... asked of 4th century Christian Philosopher Augustine of Hippo: "What is time?" He replied: "If no one asks me, I know; but if any person requires me to tell him, I cannot." Most people accept time as a regular part of their lives, and don't think about it. The philosopher pauses to ask "Does time really exist? If it does, what is it?

How to NOT do Philosophy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92vV3QGagck Philosophy is more than this 

Philosophy class guidelines The discussion in this class needs to be safe. Philosophy is a practice of asking questions, and we need to be allowed to do that, without judgement. We need to listen to one another without jumping to conclusions about their faith / beliefs / convictions.

Terms for discussion and writing: I think - I have thought about this and because of that, I can say that..... I feel - I might think one thing, but my emotions or internal reaction is saying that..... I believe - I believe this strong enough to bet my existence that....

Philosophical Questions What is? Why is there something rather than nothing? Where does it all come from? Where do we come from? Who are we / Who am I? Where are we going to? What is the purpose of it all? Is there a God? What is good and what is evil? What is knowledge? What is truth? Do we have a "free will"? How should we act? How can we be happy? Why cannot we live forever? What is the meaning of life?

Main Disciplines Application 7 Main disciplines in Philosophy: Logic & Reason – Core to all philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics Ethics Political & Social Philosophy Broad Underlying ideas Application

Logic & Reason The pursuit of truth and accurate reasoning

Types of Questions Asked What is truth? What are the rules of a good argument? What is a “good” (or valid) argument? What is a “bad” argument? What is “good” evidence? What is proof? What does it mean that something has “meaning”? How are literal and figurative meanings different?

Metaphysics

Metaphysics Studies the big questions of existence What a lot of people think of when they think of philosophy

Types of Questions Asked Is change really possible? Is time real, or an illusion? Are humans free? (free will vs determinism) What does it mean for something to be real? What is the meaning of life? Do people have souls? Does the world exist outside of the mind?

Metaphysics in Real Life? Examples?

Epistemology

Epistemology Theory of knowledge

Epistemology

Types of Questions Asked What does it mean to say that we “know” something? Is knowledge universal? How do we get knowledge (or know we know)? How do we verify knowledge or truth? Does knowledge have responsibility?

Epistemology in Real Life Examples?

Aesthetics The study of art and beauty

Types of Questions Asked What is beauty? What is art? What is NOT art? Why do we have art? Are imitations art?

Aesthetics in Real Life Examples?

Ethics The study of behaviour and good or bad conduct

Types of Questions Asked How should we act? What is “good” behaviour? Are ethics universal? Are ethics situational? Do ethics change? What is justice? What is the role of metaphysics in ethics?

Ethics in Real Life

Political and Social Philosophy The study of how society organizes itself

Types of Questions Asked What is the idea society? How should people be governed? What is justice? What has value? What are rights? What is freedom? Is there a science of politics or just philosophy?

Main Branches of Philosophy Metaphysics Study of Existence What's out there? Epistemology Study of Knowledge How do I know about it? Ethics Study of Action What should I do? Politics Study of Force What actions are permissible? Aesthetics Study of Art What can life be like?