What is

Philosophy?


 Philosophy


phlosopha
The word "philosophy" comes from
the Greek word "philosophia," which
combines the words "philo" meaning
"love of" and "sophia" meaning
"wisdom." Put together, philosophy
means the love of wisdom.

The term "philosophy" meant the pursuit of
knowledge for its own sake, and comprised
ALL areas of speculative thought, including
the arts, sciences and religion.
Philosophy is the foundation of all
subjects.
Philosophy is a framework.
Philosophy is truth-conducive.

Philosophical questions (unlike those of the
sciences) are usually foundational and
abstract in nature.
Through the ages, philosophers have sought
to answer such questions as: What is the
meaning of life? How do we know what we
know? Does God exist? What does it mean to
possess consciousness? And, what is the value
of morals?
 What philosophy is NOT

Philosophy is not science.
Philosophy is not psychology.
Philosophy is not linguistics.
Philosophy is not theology.
 What do philosophers
do?

Philosophers concentrate on identifying assumptions,
constructing arguments and assessing their strength
often by conducting so-called 'thought
experiments'. For example:
What would you do if you were faced with a particular
moral dilemma?
If time travel were possible, could you undo the past?
If your brain were transplanted into someone else's
body, would the result be you or them?
If you spoke a different language, would your
thoughts be different?
What the experts say

 Where does it start?

WONDER - The experience of wonder takes many forms.
1. a sense of deep understanding where profound
meanings are opened up for us.
2. the world of absolute values: there are things that
challenge us to respond in a wholehearted way.
3. We move beyond being mere spectators and find
ourselves caught up in the passions and excitement of
life.
4. The presence of wonder guides us into lives of
commitment. The door to such deeply human living is
WONDER.
 The philosophical
method

The method usually begins when a philosopher examines
his own beliefs and begins to doubt their validity.
From his doubt, questions emerge. Before answering a
question, the philosopher thoroughly analyzes it to ensure
it is clearly and properly defined. This helps narrow the
path to the most precise answer.
Next, the philosopher proposes possible answers to the
question and provides reasoned arguments to support
each one. The arguments are then critiqued by other
philosophers, who may give rebuttals.
Through this process of criticism and judgment, known as
dialectic, philosophers attempt to prove the rationality of
their beliefs and discover fundamental truths.