HOW DO WE

CHARACTERIZE THE
STUDY OF
PHILOSOPHY?
HOW DO WE CHARACTERIZE THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY?

 We characterize the study of philosophy by the fundamental questions

about existence, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of reality.
 It involves critical thinking, reasoned argumentation, and a deep
consideration of concepts.
 Philosophy is often divided into various branches, such as metaphysics,
epistemology, ethics, aesthetics and logic each focusing on specific
areas of inquiry.
 METAPHYSICS
3 BRANCHES OF ETHICS
PHILOSOPHY EPISTEMOLOGY
METAPHYSICS
METAPHYSICS

 Is a philosophical discipline concerned with exploring the basic principles

that govern the nature of reality.
 Explores abstract concepts to gain a deeper understanding of the world
and the universe.
BRANCHES OF METAPHYSICS
Name Description
Ontology The study of being and existence.
Natural Theology Is generally characterized by the
attempt to establish religious
truths by rational argument and
without the reliance upon alleged
revelations.
Universal Science The study of first principle of
logic and reasoning, such as the
law of non-contradiction.
Examples
When were asking questions like
“What is the nature of reality?”, or
“What makes something real?”.
Looking at the beauty and order
in nature, some people believe it’s
a sign that there’s a higher power
or a creator.
Gravity is why things fall when
you drop them.
ETHICS
ETHICS

 This branch of philosophy evaluates the morality and virtue of human

actions.
5 MAIN FRAMEWORKS OF ETHICS
Ethical Framework Definition
Divine Command Theory A principle is only right
if and only if it is willed
by God.(What does God
ordain us to do?)
Example
One of the ten
commandments is
“Honor your father
and mother”. I could
apply this to my life.
5 MAIN FRAMEWORKS OF ETHICS
Ethical Framework Definition
Consequentialism or What is good for the greatest
Utilitarianism number of people is the best
and moral choice. (What has
the most desirable
consequences?)
Deontological Ethics A person has a moral duty to
do what is right regardless
what the person think or feels
about that situation.( Whatever
is my moral duty to do, I must
do it.)
Example
If killing a cow is the only way
to seven children from
starvation, then killing the cow
is moral.
When a doctor sees a gunshot
wounds, he must save him
because letting a person die
without helping is wrong.
5 MAIN FRAMEWORK OF ETHICS
Ethical framework Definition
Virtue Ethics It ignores the consequences,
duties, and society’s opinion;
instead, it focuses on character
development of individuals.
(What kind of person I ought to
be?)
Relativism A moral claim is right if the
individual (or her
culture)believes that it is right.
There are no right or wrong.
(What does my culture or
society think I ought to do?)
Example
A person decided to do a
community party would help
the people in their community
with their basic needs.
Same sex marriage is legally
accepted in other countries
while in the Philippines many
think that it is wrong.
EPISTEMOLOGY
EPISTEMOLOGY

 Came from the word episteme which means “knowledge”.

 Explains how we know what we claim to know, how we find out what we wish to find
out and how we can differentiate true from not true.
 Example:
How do we know the Earth orbits the Sun?
EPISTEMOLOGY
Induction Method
 Philosophers believe that general ideas
are formed from the examination of
particular facts.
 Empiricism is the view that real
knowledge can be attained only
trough sense experience (sight, smell,
hearing and other senses).
Deduction Method
 Philosophers believe that it is more
important to find a general law to
which particular facts can be
understood or judged.
 Rationalism is the view that real
knowledge is based on logic, laws and
methods that reason develops
(Mathematics is the example of real
knowledge that rationalist holds.)
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!
If metaphysics is the study of nature of existence, do you
believe that everything in this world has it purpose? Yes or no,
and why?
 Since we are now, in 21st century era, do you think that the
divine command theory is applicable now a days when every
one is committed mistakes. Yes or no and why?