Valencia Colleges (Buk.

) Incorporated
GE-11: Social Sciences and Philosophy

JOVY G. IMPROGO AUGUST 3, 2024

AB-SOCIOLOGY 3A-W MR. RUEL DE DIOS
Instructor

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

DEFINITION OF PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy begins with dialogue—with friends, with yourself, with other philosophers, and with
the past.
WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?

 Quite literally, the term "philosophy" means, "love of wisdom." In a broad sense,
philosophy is an activity people undertake when they seek to understand
fundamental truths about themselves, the world in which they live, and their
relationships to the world and to each other.
 As an academic discipline philosophy is much the same. Those who study philosophy
are perpetually engaged in asking, answering, and arguing for their answers to
life’s most basic questions
 Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions related to existence, knowledge,
values, reason, mind, and language. It involves critical thinking and logical analysis
to explore these deep and complex subjects

IMPORTANCE OF PHILOSOPHY

1. Critical Thinking: Philosophy teaches individuals to think clearly and logically.

2. *Problem-Solving: * It equips people with tools to analyze and solve complex problems.
3. Ethical Reasoning: * Philosophy helps in understanding and evaluating moral issues.
4. - *Broad Perspective: * It provides a deeper understanding of various aspects of life and
the world.

Historical Origins of Philosophy

 The word philosophy derives from ancient Greek, in which the philosopher is a lover or
pursuer (philia) of wisdom (sophia)
 But the earliest Greek philosophers were not known as philosophers; they were
simply known as sages.
 The historical origins of philosophy can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as
those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China, where thinkers began to systematically
inquire into fundamental questions about existence, reality, knowledge, morality, and the
nature of the universe.
 In ancient Greece around the 6th century BCE, philosophy emerged as a distinct
discipline with figures like Thales, Pythagoras, and Heraclitus, who sought naturalistic
explanations for the world rather than relying solely on mythology or religious
explanations. This marked a shift towards rational inquiry and critical thinking, laying the
groundwork for Western philosophical traditions.
Philosophy continued to develop through the classical period with Socrates,
Plato, and Aristotle, who formalized methods of argumentation, logic, ethics,
metaphysics, and epistemology. Their works provided foundational concepts that
 influenced later philosophical movements and shaped the intellectual landscape
of Europe and beyond.

Throughout history, philosophy has evolved through different periods and cultures, adapting to
new challenges and incorporating insights from various disciplines. It remains a vital field for
exploring fundamental questions and understanding the human experience.

The study of philosophy involves not only forming one’s own answers to such questions, but also
seeking to understand the way in which people have answered such questions in the past. So, a
significant part of philosophy is its history, a history of answers and arguments about these very
questions. In studying the history of philosophy, one explores the ideas of such historical figures
as:

PLATO HUME

ARISTOTLE LOCKE

AQUINAS DESCARTES

KANT NIETZSCHE

MARX MILL

WITTGENTEIN SARTRE

What often motivates the study of philosophy is not merely the answers or arguments themselves
but whether or not the arguments are good and the answers are true. Moreover, many of the
questions and issues in the various areas of philosophy overlap and, in some cases, even
converge. Thus, philosophical questions arise in almost every discipline. This is why philosophy
also encompasses such areas as:

1. Philosophy of Law
2. Philosophy of Religion
3. Philosophy of Mind
4. Political Philosophy
5. Philosophy of History
6. Philosophy of Feminism
7. Philosophy Science
8. Philosophy of Literature
9. Philosophy of the Arts
10. Philosophy of Language
In essence, studying philosophy enriches your intellectual life, deepens your understanding
of the world, and equips you with essential skills and perspectives that are valuable across
various domains of human endeavor.

MAIN BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY

• METAPHYSICS
At its core the study of metaphysics is the study of the nature of reality, of what exists in the
world, what it is like, and how it is ordered. In metaphysics philosophers wrestle with such
questions as:

• Is there a God?
• What is truth?
• What is a person? What makes a person the same through time?
• Is the world strictly composed of matter?
• Do people have minds? If so, how is the mind related to the body?
• Do people have free wills?
 • What is it for one event to cause another?

Epistemology
--Epistemology is the study of knowledge. It is primarily concerned with what we can know
about the world and how we can know it. Typical questions of concern in epistemology are:
• What is knowledge?
• Do we know anything at all?
• How do we know what we know?
• Can we be justified in claiming to know certain things?

. Ethics
--Examines moral values and principles
• --The study of ethics often concerns what we ought to do and what it would be best to
do. In struggling with this issue, larger questions about what is good and right arise. So,
the ethicist attempts to answer such questions as:

• What is good? What makes actions or people good?

• What is right? What makes actions right?
• Is morality objective or subjective?
• How should I treat others?
•
Logic

- Focuses on the principles of valid reasoning and argumentation

--Another important aspect of the study of philosophy is the arguments or reasons given for
people’s answers to these questions. To this end philosophers employ logic to study the nature
and structure of arguments. Logicians ask such questions as:
• What constitutes "good" or "bad" reasoning?
• How do we determine whether a given piece of reasoning is good or bad?
•
AESTHETICS
• Explores the nature of beauty, art, and taste.
• - Key Questions: What is beauty? What makes something art?

Political Philosophy:*
• - Investigates the nature of government, justice, and the rights of individuals.
• - Key Questions: What is the best form of government? What are the rights and duties
of citizens?

Major Philosophical Questions and Approaches

1. *What is reality?*
- *Idealism:* Reality is fundamentally mental.
- *Materialism:* Reality is composed of physical matter.
2. *How do we know what we know?*
- *Empiricism:* Knowledge comes from sensory experience.
- *Rationalism:* Knowledge is gained through reason and logical deduction.
3. *What is the right thing to do?*
*Utilitarianism:* The right action maximizes overall happiness.
*Deontology:* The right action follows a set of rules or duties.
4. *Do we have free will?*
*Determinism:* All events, including human actions, are determined by previous
causes.
*Libertarianism:* Humans have the ability to make free choices.

5 major philosophical movements in history of philosophy

1. Ancient Philosophy:
• Originating in Greece around the 6th century BCE, ancient philosophy includes
the works of prominent thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. It laid the
foundation for Western philosophical traditions and explored fundamental
questions about reality, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of the universe.

2. Medieval Philosophy:
• Spanning roughly from the 5th to the 15th century CE, medieval philosophy was
heavily influenced by Christian theology and Islamic philosophy. Key figures
include Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, and Avicenna. It focused on
reconciling faith with reason, addressing metaphysical and ethical questions
within religious frameworks.

3. Renaissance and Early Modern Philosophy:

• Emerging during the Renaissance period (14th to 17th centuries), this movement
marked a revival of classical learning and a shift towards humanism. Figures like
Machiavelli, Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, and Locke contributed to debates on
political philosophy, epistemology, and the nature of human existence.

4. Modern Philosophy:
• Beginning in the 17th century and continuing into the 18th century, modern
philosophy was characterized by a focus on reason, empiricism, and skepticism.
Notable philosophers include Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley,
Hume, and Kant. This period saw advancements in epistemology, metaphysics,
ethics, and the philosophy of mind.
5. Contemporary Philosophy:
• From the late 19th century to the present day, contemporary philosophy
encompasses a diverse range of movements and schools of thought.
• It includes analytic philosophy (focused on logic, language, and the philosophy of
science), continental philosophy (emphasizing existentialism, phenomenology,
and hermeneutics), and various specialized fields such as feminist philosophy,
postmodernism, and critical theory.

APPLICATIONS OF PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy, often regarded as a theoretical discipline, also has practical

applications that influence various aspects of our lives and society. Here are
some key applications of philosophy:

• 1. Ethics and Moral Philosophy:

 Personal Ethics:
Philosophy helps individuals reflect on ethical dilemmas, make informed
moral decisions, and develop a coherent ethical framework to guide their
actions.
 Professional Ethics:
In fields such as medicine, law, business, and journalism, philosophical
ethics provides guidelines for professional conduct and decision-making.
 Social Ethics:
Philosophical discussions on justice, rights, and responsibilities contribute
to debates on social issues like human rights, environmental ethics, and
social justice movements

2. Philosophy of Science:
  Philosophy contributes to the methodology and epistemology of science,
examining questions about the nature of scientific knowledge, theories,
and the scientific method.
 It helps scientists and researchers critically evaluate hypotheses, experimental
design, and the interpretation of data.
3. Political Philosophy:
 Political philosophy explores concepts such as justice, freedom, democracy, and
governance.
 It informs political ideologies and policies, guiding discussions on issues like
human rights, equality, political legitimacy, and the role of government in society.
4. Philosophy of Mind and Consciousness:
 Understanding consciousness and the nature of the mind is crucial in fields like
psychology, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence.
 Philosophical insights help address questions about perception, cognition,
identity, and the relationship between mind and body
5. Philosophy of Language:
 Philosophy of language examines how language functions, how meaning is
conveyed, and the relationship between language and thought.
 It influences fields such as linguistics, communication studies, and rhetoric,
contributing to the study of semantics, pragmatics, and the philosophy of
interpretation.
6. Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art:
 Philosophy of art explores questions about beauty, creativity, artistic expression,
and the interpretation of artworks.
 It informs artistic movements, criticism, and cultural debates about the value and
purpose of art in society.
7. Philosophy in Education:
 Philosophical inquiry promotes critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and a
deeper understanding of fundamental concepts across disciplines.
 It shapes educational theories and practices, influencing curriculum
development, teaching methods, and educational policy.

8. Philosophy in Technology and Ethics:

• Ethical considerations in technology development, such as artificial intelligence,
biotechnology, and surveillance technologies, draw on philosophical principles.
• Philosophical ethics guides discussions on the ethical implications of
technological advancements and helps develop ethical frameworks for
responsible innovation.
9. Philosophy in Law and Justice:
• Legal philosophy addresses questions about the nature of law, justice, rights, and
legal reasoning.
• It informs legal theories and debates on topics like legal interpretation,
constitutional law, human rights law, and theories of punishment.
10. Philosophy in Everyday Life:
• Philosophy encourages individuals to reflect on their beliefs, values, and
assumptions, fostering personal growth and self-understanding.
It promotes critical reflection in everyday decision-making, interpersonal
relationships, and societal participation

In summary, philosophy's applications extend far beyond academic discourse,

influencing diverse fields and contributing to a deeper understanding of ourselves, our
world, and our place within it.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the study of philosophy reveals itself as multifaceted discipline that

encompasses a rich tapestry of tapestry of ideas and inquiries. Through our exploration
of its definition, tracing its history, and understanding its profound importance to our life
and also to society as well. Its main branches – metaphysics, epistemology, ethics,
logic, aesthetics and political philosophy – provide frameworks for grappling
fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, morality, and reasoning. The
philosophical inquiries and approaches not only deepen our understanding of the world
but also provoke critical reflection on our beliefs, values, and assumptions. They
challenge us to consider the nature of existence, the sources of knowledge, the
foundations of morality, and the extent of human freedom. Philosophical discourse
continues to evolve, offering diverse perspectives and frameworks that enrich our
intellectual discourse and inform our understanding of the human experience.

REFERENCES
 https://assets.openstax.org/oscms-prodcms/media/documents/
Introduction_to_Philosophy-WEB_cszrKYp.pdf
 https://philosophy.fsu.edu/undergraduate-study/why-philosophy/What-is-
Philosophy
 https://bidoonism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/the-history-of-philosophy-by-
a.-c.-grayling.pdf