PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy is derived from two Greek words

“philia” meaning, “love” and

“sophia”; meaning “wisdom.”

Thus, etymologically speaking, philosophy

means the
“love of wisdom.”

Philosophy is the science of all beings by

their ultimate causes and principles known
through the use of natural reason alone.
Branches of
Philosophy
Epistemology comes from the Greek word
“episteme” which means “knowledge.”

It is the branch of philosophy that studies the

nature, basis, and extent of knowledge.

It examines the nature of knowledge and attempts

to determine the limits of human understanding.

Central issues include how knowledge is derived and

how it is to be validated and tested.
Epistemology
 
It explores the various ways of:
1. knowing,
2. the nature of truth, and
3. the relationships between knowledge and
belief.

Epistemology asks such questions as "What are

the features of genuine knowledge as distinct
from what appears to be knowledge?" and "Are
there different kinds of knowledge, with
different grounds and characteristics?"
Philosophers often distinguish between two
kinds of knowledge:
1. a priori and
2. a posteriori

We arrive at a priori knowledge by thinking,

without appeal to experience.

We acquire a posteriori or empirical

knowledge from observation and experience.
Tests and Theories of Truth:

Correspondence theory holds that an idea is true if

it corresponds to the facts or agrees with the
objective reality.
Pragmatic theory maintains that an idea is true if it
works or settles the problem it deals with.
Coherence theory states that truth is a matter of
degree and that an idea is true to the extent to
which it coheres (fits together) with other ideas that
one holds.
Consistency. Ideas are considered to be true if their
meanings do not contain contradictions.
Skepticism claims that knowledge is impossible to
attain and that truth is unknowable.
Cosmology is the study of the physical universe, or the
cosmos, studies the organization, history, and future of
the universe.
 
Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that relies
heavily on speculative method. It seeks to understand
the nature of being and reality.

It comes from the Greek words “meta” which means

“beyond” and “physikon” which means nature.
 
"What is real?"
"What is the distinction between appearance and reality?"
"Do we possess free will or are our actions determined by
causes over which we have no control?"
Philosophical Psychology is the study of the nature
of the soul. It is concerned with the soul or
consciousness, its constitution, characteristics, and
its role in the functioning of the human body and
social group. It is more commonly known as
Philosophy of man/Rational psychology.
 
Philosophy of God / Rational Theology /
Theodicy is the study concerning religious
phenomenon of people, its origin and nature.
Theodicy comes from the Greek words “theos”
which means “God” and “dike” which means
“justice, right.”
Hermeneutics is the philosophic study of
interpretation. It comes from the Greek name
“Hermes” who is the well-known messenger of the
gods and goddesses in Greek mythology.

Logic is the branch of philosophy that deals with the

principles of reasoning.

It is the study of the principles and methods of

reasoning. It explores how we distinguish between
good (or sound) reasoning and bad (or fallacious)
reasoning.
Axiology comes from the Greek words “axios” which
means “worthy” and “logos” which means, “study.” It is
a philosophic critique of the meaning, characteristics,
origin, types, criteria and knowledge of values.

What makes a thing valuable? Does value inherent to

the object without it being useful? Why do people
differ from their set, chosen and prioritized values?

Ethics
It is the branch of philosophy that studies human
conduct and the nature of right and wrong.
 
"What makes right actions right and wrong actions
wrong?" "What is good and what is bad?" and
"What are the proper moral values of life?"
Aesthetics has its origin in the Greek word “aisthetikos”
which means “one who is perceptive to things through his
sensations, feelings and intuitions.” It is the branch of
philosophy that studies art and beauty.
 
"How can people's taste in the arts be improved?" "How
should the arts be taught in the schools?" and "Do
governments have the right to restrict artistic expression?"
 
Social Philosophy is a critique of social processes with
reference to the principles underlying social structures and
social functions. It evaluates social organization especially
the government from an ethical viewpoint.

What is an appropriately structured and functioning

community? Should the members obey the government of
their society in any extent? Why? When may individuals go
against their established system or political authorities?
Applied Philosophy:

Philosophy of:
Science (natural/social),
History,
Politics,
Mathematics,
Law,
Language (semiology/semantics),
Education,
Religion
etc.
The task of Philosophy

1. Seek and know the truth

- the search for greater wisdom

2. Speak about the truth

- evangelization of truth

3. Act in the light of truth

- incarnation of truth