Philosophy

Introduction

Many philosophers claimed that philosophy begins with wonder.

Aristotle : For owing to their wonder that men both now begin and at first began to philosophize
Plato: Wonder is the feeling of philosophers, and philosophy begins with wonder.

It is thus clear that wonder is the beginning , the starting point, or the origin of philosophical search for every individual, no matter when
or where he or she lives, irrespective of his or her nationality, language, creed or color.

But what makes one wonder?

What it is that one wonders about?

Wonder
The philosophical wonder points to the mystery of human existence (kahiwagaan ng pagkatao)
Human life is perceived as great paradox, an incomprehensible contradiction, and a dreadful tragedy.
Thus life becomes a disturbing question rather than an answer in itself.

What is philosophy?
Etymology:
Greek words- Philo (love)
Sophia (wisdom)
Operational definition: Philosophy is man’s intellectual search for the ultimate meaning of life
Key words- Search for meaning

Every individual is a philosopher in his/her right

We do not and cannot philosophize by proxy
Man is answerable to himself and to nobody else

Man’s Quest

Characteristics of Philosophical Inquiry

1. Freedom
2. Intellectual openness/critical inquiry
3. Rationality
4. Endless search

Freedom in Philosophy
Philosophical inquiry does not begin with preconceived world- view.
To a large extent, free philosophical inquiry is a means whereby we unshackle ourselves from the chains of tradition that have hindered
human progress.
Philosophy is a liberating force
Free philosophical inquiry will base its explanation and perception of reality upon the human condition and experience.

Intellectual openness and critical inquiry

Philosophy is not a finished or prefabricated product that is assembled and ready to be used for one’s own end. It is neither a collection of
wisdom from which to draw truth whenever one wishes it, nor it is a closed system or a complete body of knowledge about all things
where one can find the final and ultimate causes and principles of current events and of those that are yet to come

Rational philosophical reflection

Philosophical inquiry is neither form of gossip nor a certain kind of conjecture, for the reflective unfolding of truth is both critical and
rational.
Philosophical analysis is the instrument of reason, that is why it is guided by reason and will end up in reason

Endless quest for meaning

Philosophical inquiry is a lifetime activity insofar as life is a series of situations that are characterized by so many kinds of problems

Various type of Intellectual Search

Three Main divisions
Philosophy of Thought (Logic and Epistemology)
Philosophy of Reality ( Metaphysics, Theodicy, Philosophical Psychology, Cosmology)
Philosophy of Morality (Ethics and Aesthetics)

Logic
This is the study of the methods and principles used to distinguished correct from incorrect reasoning.
The stress is given to correct reasoning.
Correct or valid does not necessarily mean true.
Valid reasoning; If and when the conclusion is necessarily inferred from the premise.
Logical Proposition: Premise + conclusion

This is primarily concern with the validity or correctness of reasoning but since the aim of logic is the attainment of truth – it follows that
an argument or reasoning is logical if it is both valid/correct and true.

Epistemology
Philosophical theory that deals with the truth-value of knowledge.
Is it possible to know?
Can man ever know anything?
Is it possible to attain certain knowledge?
Where does knowledge come from?

Some theories about knowledge

Skepticism vs. Rationalism
Empiricism vs. Rationalism

Metaphysics (Ontology)
On broader meaning
The study of being in general
What is being?
Why is there being rather than non-being?
Why did being become being?
What is essence?
What is existence?

Anything that exists is being

Theodicy (Natural Theology, Philosophy of Religion)

A philosophical inquiry that deals with the problem f God’s existence
Is there really God?
What are the arguments or proofs of His existence?
What are likewise the atheistic arguments?

Philosophical Psychology (Rational Psychology)

A study that deals with man not only as a sensing or thinking individual but as a being composed of body and soul.
Is there really a soul?
If man has a soul, is it immortal?
What arguments is there to show that man has or does not have soul?
Thomistics view , Marxists view, Hinduism

Ethics
Deals with morality or moral rectitude or the rightness or wrongness of an act. It is both practical and normative science
Practical science: with systematize body of knowledge that can be used, practices, applies to human action
Normative Science: Establishes norms or standards for the direction and regulation of human actions

How can one determine the rightness or wrongness of an act?

Is there a norm for good and evil?
Ethical studies are based on reason
- investigate facts
- analyze
- draw from them practical applications to particular action
It does not rely on divine intervention