PHILO #DAY1

Topic: Doing Philosophy, Meaning of Philosophy

Learning Objectives:
1. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view.
2. Recognize human activities that emanated from deliberate reflection.
3. Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life.

PHILOSOPHY
- Comes from Greek words “philo” – means love, “Sophia” – means wisdom ( Etymological definition)
- Philosopher – lover of wisdom WISDOM IS THE GOAL OF PHILOSOPHY
- Real definition: the science of beings in their ultimate reasons, causes, and principles acquired by the aid of
human reason alone (Hermida 1996) (scientia rerum per causas primas sub lumine rationis naturalis)
- Philosophy is a science. – it is systematic, - an organized body of knowledge not based on mere opinion,
theories or hypotheses.
- Philosophy is a study of all things. It is about human beings, society, religion, language, God, and plants.
- Philosophy uses natural light of reason. Philosophy makes use of knowledge acquired by human reason alone.
No investigative tools or laboratory instruments.
- Philosophy searches for the ultimate reasons, causes, and principles of all things. 1.) Principle of Identity –
everything is its own being, what is is; 2.) Principle of Non-Contradiction – it is impossible for a thing to be and
not to be at the same time, and at the same respect; 3.) Principle of Excluded Middle – a thing is either is or is
not, no middle ground possible (positive or negative, no middle); 4.) Principle of Sufficient Reason – nothing
exists without a sufficient reason for its being and existence.
-
Actions What must be done before the action?
1. giving opinions
2. watching movies that are not allowed for your age
3. confronting a person who verbally hurt you
4. deciding where to study for senior high
5. going out with the opposite sex

WHAT MUST BE DONE BEFORE MAKING AN ACTION?

IS IT HELPFUL THAT YOU DO THIS?
DOES DOING PHILOSOPHY BROADEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE IN LIFE?

“Broadening your perspective can be life-enhancing.”

5 branches of Philosophy
1. Metaphysics – “meta”-beyond, “physics”-deals with matter, virtual reality vs. the real thing, mind over matter,
difference between reality and appearance.
a. Plato – “nothing we experience in the physical world with our five senses is real”, reality – unchanging,
eternal, immaterial, and can be detected only by the intellect (universal)
2. Ethics – philosophy that explores the nature of moral virtue and evaluates human actions, good or evil, right or
wrong, moral judgment
3.