Characteristics of
Philosophy
• Just as there are many ways at looking at things, like, experiences, situations, problems,
Philosophy can also be seen and treated in different ways.
• Philosophy can be seen as a
• 1. A Framework
• 2. An examination of knowledge
• 3. As a discipline
• He explained that whenever a person encounters a problem, situation or a question life, he or she
often goes back to his or her framework in order to make sense of the problem.
• A Framework is defined as a way of thinking about the world and is composed
of views and beliefs of a person.
• Philosophy can also be treated as an examination of a particular area of
knowledge. This means that the principles of philosophy can be used as an
examination of other disciplines or areas of knowledge.
• Philosophy in itself is a distinct area of knowledge. It has its own goals, concerns
and ways of doing things. Definitely, philosophy according to him is a discipline in
itself.
The branches of Philosophy:
• A. Logic is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of thinking and reasoning
using empirical support and information which are reliable, valid and objective or it is the
science of correct thinking.
• Two Types of Logic
• a. Deductive Reasoning – from a general truth to specific truth, from universal truth to
particular.
• b. Inductive Reasoning – from a specific truth to general truth, particular to universal.
• B. Epistemology is a branch of Philosophy that concerns with the definition of
knowledge and related concepts such as the sources and criteria of knowledge.
• Two Contending Schools of Thought
• a. Rational school – the main source of knowledge is deductive reasoning based on
self-evident principles or actions.
• b. Empirical school – the source of knowledge is sense-perception.
• C . Ethics
• * It comes from the Greek word “ethos” which means character . * It is the
science of correct doing.
• * It is the study of what is right and what is wrong in human behavior in the
pursuit of beauty and gooness of life .
• D. Metaphysics
• * It comes from the Greek words “meta” which means beyond and “physikon”
which means nature.
• * It is branch of philosophy which is concerned with the nature of ultimate reality.
• Axiology – study of value of things
• Ontology – study of existence
• E. Aesthetics
• * It is derived from the Greek word “aesthetikos” which means one who
is perceptive of things through his sensations, feelings and intuitions.
• * It is concerned with the essence of perception of beauty and ugliness.
• F. Political / Religious Philosophy
• * It refers to a body of knowledge that looks up on the society, politics
religion and the people that makes it whole.
• * It is believed that society is inseparable to politics and religion .
• Seat work :
• Identify which branch of Philosophy does the following questions fall :
• 1. Do we have free will?
• 2. What is to know?
• 3. Who is a good public servant ?
• 4. What reasons are there to believe in God?
• 5. What does it mean to be beautiful?
