Doing Philosophy

LESSON 2
What are some of the major questions that
Philosophers ponder upon?

• Question of reality

• Question of certainty

• Question of causality

• Question of ethics
1. QUESTION OF REALITY

REALITY
It refers to the state of existence of things independent of human
consciousness.
1. It includes physical things that we see, feel, taste, and smell.
2. It includes that already existed, things that presently exist, and
things that are yet to exist.
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GENERAL CATEGORIES OF REALITY
Concrete and Abstract
1.2 QUESTION OF REALITY

A. METAPHYSICS
The branch of philosophy which addresses questions regarding reality.
A.1 Ontology
The branch of metaphysics dealing with the classification of existing things.
A.1.1 Topics related to the discussion of reality
1. Concept of time
2. Space
3. Nature of the universe
4. Nature of the human being
2. QUESTION OF CERTAINTY

CERTAINTY
It refers to perfect knowledge that is free from error or doubt.
1. The central concept of certainty is truth.
2. Another related to the question of reality is the concept of knowledge.
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EPISTEMOLOGY
The branch of philosophy which deals with the nature & extent of
knowledge.
2.1 QUESTION OF CERTAINTY

EPISTEMOLOGY
The branch of philosophy which deals with the nature & extent of
knowledge.
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KNOWLEDGE AS PRIORI & POSTERIORI
1. Rationalism
2. Empiricism
Another theory for knowledge
3. Skepticism/Scepticism
 2.3 QUESTION OF CERTAINTY

KNOWLEDGE AS PRIORI & POSTERIORI

1. Rationalism- priori knowledge
It is a theory on knowledge based on pure reasoning without the benefit of any
experience.
2. Empiricism- posteriori knowledge
It is a theory on knowledge based on experience.
ANOTHER THEORY ON KNOWLEDGE
3. Skepticism
It believes that all knowledge is uncertain or questions the established
doctrines or truths.
 3. QUESTION OF CAUSALITY

CAUSALITY
It defines that there is a cause for everything that happens.
1. Uncover the true nature of such phenomenon.
2. Examining events in the context of cause- effect.
3. Related concept regarding the origin or purpose of things.
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Another related to question of causality
Agency, Free will, and Choice
 3.1 QUESTION OF CAUSALITY

Another related topics about question of causality

1. Agency- the capacity of man to govern or control his/her actions.
2. Free will- the ability to choose among possible actions.
Important perspective regarding causality
3. Determinism
It is a philosophical belief that each event is determined or influenced by a
specific set of events or factors.
2. Destiny
It refers to a predetermined course of events leading to a specific outcome or
future.
 3.2 QUESTION OF CAUSALITY

SUB-BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY THAT TACKLES CAUSALITY

ETIOLOGY
It refers to studies of causality

TELEOLOGY
It refers to the question of purpose
 4. QUESTION OF ETHICS

ETHICS
It is a branch of philosophy that deals with the standards of right and wrong
which define human behavior.
1. It answers the acceptable, correct, and good behavior.
2. It governs reasoning and right actions.
 What methods & tools do Philosophers use in
the conduct of their study?
A. SYSTEMATIC DOUBT
- Philosophers employ a skeptical attitude in order to determine its validity or
truthfulness.
B. ARGUMENT
- Philosophers engage in discussion and debate on their ideas.
C. DIALECTIC
- Ideas & perspectives are analyzed through information gathered, new ideas
and views are formulated.
 Methods or problem-solving devices used by
the Philosophers.
A. SOCRATIC METHOD- A method of analyzing a topic by formulating a series of
questions.
B. AXIOMS- It refers to assumption which are taken for granted in philosophical
discussion.
C. OCCAM’S RAZOR- It is a problem-solving device. This principles states that
among possible explanations, the one which has the least assumptions is the
most acceptable.
D. FORMAL LOGIC- It is a systematic analysis of the validity of arguments using
syllogisms or logical arguments.
E. THOUGHT EXPERIMENT & ALLEGORY- These are imagined scenarios used to
illustrate a certain problem or describe a theory.