1. Bellwork
In two large groups, analyze the post-it notes for ABSTRACT or CONCRETE concepts
Does the example fit the description of ABSTRACT or CONCRETE?
Hint: What image comes to mind?
See your definitions
If YES, put on the post board
If NO, put to the side (and know why it is not a good example)

2. Categories of Philosophical Thought
Open your blue packet to page 9

3. The study of the nature of reality
Metaphysics
The study of the nature of reality

4. Metaphysics Is Santa Clause real?
 What is an idea? Is it just a chemical response in your brain, or something more?
 What happens to people when they die?
 What makes a chair a chair? Is it only a chair if you can sit on it? Is anything you sit on a chair?
 How do you know something is real and not just a dream?
What is the difference between reality and fantasy?
 Do we have free will?

5. Epistemology
The study of knowledge

6. Epistemology
Are we born already knowing certain things or does all knowledge come from our experiences?
 What does it mean “to know”?
 Is knowledge absolute (true all the time) or relative (changes depending on time and space)?
 How is knowledge similar or different from belief?
 Suppose you were 100% certain of something, but the rest of the world said you were crazy. Is it really possible that only you know the truth and everyone else is wrong?
 Have you ever made a decision completely on your own? (one that was not influenced by how you were raised, the rules of society, your friends, TV., books, or movies etc.)
 How could you prove that you are awake right now and not back at home dreaming in your bed?

7. The study of moral judgements
Ethics
The study of moral judgements

8. Ethics
Is cheating on a major test wrong? What about cheating on a non-graded homework assignment?
 Where does your sense of morality come from?
 How do you decide what is right and what is wrong? Is everything one or the other or is there a “grey-area” in between?
 Who’s life is more important, yours or a bug’s?
 What is your ultimate goal in life?
 If you had the power to be invisible and you could go anywhere completely undetected, what would you do? What would you NOT do?

9. The study of the right reasoning
Logic
The study of the right reasoning

10. Logic
Suppose you needed to buy a new pair of jeans. How would you decide where to go to shop for them?
 What makes some arguments strong and others weak?
 How do you prove something?
 Are their arguments that seem logical, but in fact aren’t?
 How is our decision making ability influenced by our emotions and circumstances?
 Is time travel logically possible?
 Have you ever been convinced of something, only to find out later that you were wrong?

11. The study of social institutions
Political Science
The study of social institutions

12. Political Science Which form of government is most just?
 Is there any such thing as JUSTICE, or is there Just Us?
 When should individuals’ rights be limited by the majority will? When should they not?
 Are all people created equal?
 What would people be like in a state of nature without any laws, government, or society to control them?
 Should we have the law that children must be educated in the US through either public, private, or home schools?
 What is the purpose of law?

13. Aesthetics
The study of beauty

14. Aesthetics Are there objective standards to judge beauty?
 How can I tell if something is good or bad art?
 What makes good music pleasant to hear?
 What does it mean when people say “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?” Are they right?
 Why do people seek beauty?

15. Categories of Philosophical Thought Review
Turn blue packet to page 15

16. Metaphysics The study of the nature of reality What is reality?
What is permanence and change?
What are things made of?

17. Epistemology The study of knowledge How do we gain knowledge?
What does it mean, “to know”?
What is knowledge?

18. Ethics The study of moral judgments What is morally good?
How do you define right and wrong actions?
What is virtuous?

19. Logic The study of the science of reasoning
Are there good and bad arguments?
Is there a difference between arguments and opinions?
What is reason?

20. Political Philosophy The study of social institutions
What is the ideal society?
What is justice?
What is the purpose of government?

21. Aesthetics The study of beauty How do we define beauty?
Is beauty absolute or relative?