The Value Of Philosophy

• What is Philosophy?

  "It is an enterprise that begins with wonder at the marvels and mysteries of the world; that pursues a rational investigation of those marvels and mysteries, seeking wisdom and truth... Taking as its motto socrates' famous statement that "the unexamined life is not worth living," philosophy leaves no aspect of life untouched by its inquiry. It aims at a clear, critical, comprehensive conception of reality." - Louis Pojman
• What are the Four Traditional Divisions of Philosophy?

  Metaphysics, Epistemology, Logic, & Ethics.
• What is Metaphysics?

  The study of basic, or first principles and the ultimate reality including concepts of basic science and human life.

  • Theories of how the world "really is."
  • Ontology: Being, Becoming, Existence, Reality
  • Cosmology: Origins, Evolution, & Fate of the Universe
• What are examples of questions relating to Metaphysics?

  • Does God exist?
  • What am I?
  • How did Life begin?
  • What are emotions?
  • Is there an enduring time?
  • What is time?
• What is Epistemology?

  The study of human knowledge.

  • Where does knowledge come from?
  • What is its nature?
  • Justifications?
  • WHAT can we know?
  • HOW can we know?
• What are examples of questions relating to Epistemology?

  • Is it possible to know things "for sure?"
  • Can we trust our senses?
  • Can we trust out faculties of reason?
  • Can we take the world at "face value?"
  • Is memory dependable?
  • If we can't know things, how do we proceed?
• What is Logic?

  The study of rational arguments.

  • Provides an underlying sense of order for philosophical discourse.
• What is Ethics?

  The study of moral principles and inquiry into what "The Good" is.

  • Examines both what we should and should NOT do? Both in our dealings with ourselves and others.
  • Delves into the questions around the nature of "right" or "wrong."
• What are examples of questions relating to Ethics?

  • What is right and wrong?
  • What are my responsibilities to other people?
  • How do we know something is "Good?"
  • Can morality exist without religion?
  • Is morality subjective or objective?
• How is Philosophy interactive?

  • It is something you "Do," not just a story you read.
  • Different than literature and other types of information gathering.
  • What you think and feel is essential to the process.
  • Dialogue is essential, and yes your feelings matter!
• How do we Engage with the Author when reading a Philosophical passage?

  Consider each reading to be a dialogue between yourself and the author.

  • What is the main point they are trying to sell you on?
  • Do you agree with them? Why or why not?
  • What is your opinion on a topic before your read? Has it been modified by your study?
• How can we be more aware and understanding of the subject, Philosophy?

  • Philosophy can take more time to read than other types of writing.
  • Certain passages may be read more than once to be understood.
  • Vocabulary is important to overall comparison. Look up words you are not familiar with.
  • It is more difficult to cram philosophy readings because of the nature of the discussion.
• What were some of the important points while reading, "The Value of Philosophy," or Reading #1?

  • Broadens our field of possibilities.
  • Fuels the imagination.
  • Breaks us of unsound and unreasoned beliefs.
  • In a nutshell, the value of philosophy lies in what it does for you by doing it. So what do we do? We ask questions.
• While reading, "The Value of Philosophy," or Reading #1, what are some things we need to be aware of in our search (of Philosophy)?

  1. What it aims at?
  2. Truth, but not answer oriented - is there value in asking questions that may not have answers?
  3. Knowledge, but not certainty oriented - is pursuing knowledge worth it if you have no guarantee of getting absolute answers?
• What were some extra points that were made while reading, "The Value of Philosophy," or Reading #1?

  • Once something becomes true, or known for certain, it becomes science.
  • To be answered or certainty oriented would entail being more interested in the destination rather than trip. We can miss much along the way when this is the case.
• What were some extra points that were made while reading, "The Value of Philosophy," or Reading #1? (Part 2 of the same question)

  • We ask questions knowing that we likely won't find an immediate answer.
  • It takes a particular mindset to engage in this type of thinking.
  • You have to buy into the idea that things that benefit the mind outweigh those that are solely about the concerns of the material world of facts.