Introduction: What is Philosophy? Generally speaking, the term…

Introduction: What is Philosophy? Generally speaking, the term…

Introduction: What is Philosophy? Generally speaking, the term philosophy

comes from two Greek words. These, are “Philos” which pertains to “love/passion” and “Sophia” which means knowledge/wisdom. And if you combine these together, we can say that philosophy can be characterised as the love or passion for knowledge. Now i must admit this characterisation appears to be vague because it can be applicable to other disciplines such as science, mathematics and economics. These domains have their own truths so given this, we must clarify further what is meant by philosophy. The classical/ technical definition of philosophy Hence, with this in mind, I shall provide you with two definitions of philosophy that will clarify its essential meaning. I have a technical or classical definition and a simpler one. lets begin with the Classical one. Now most sources define philosophy as “The science, (not science in the traditional sense of the word, science in this context pertains to a systematic step by step discipline) through the light of natural reason alone, studies the ultimate principles of all things.” Here, this definition implies that, philosophy is defined as speculative or theoretical, and systematic discipline, that uses the power of human reason or the human mind in gaining knowledge of the ultimate principles or causes of reality., here, Philosophy trains the human mind to arrive and unravel at the fundamental explanations and causes of the world. And by this, we can overcome ignorance and formulate our own hypothesis or theories about the world accordingly. And consequently, cohesive and substantial knowledge about reality sets in our consciousness. Philosophy vs science Philosophy differs from science in the sense that philosophy uses the mind at arriving at conclusions or assertions about life. Science on the other hand uses technical protocol such as experimentation and facts and empirical data at arriving at the truth. in addition, Philosophy even though it is a theoretical discipline can even question and evaluate the claims and assertions of the field of science. The philosopher David Hume is known for this. Simpler definition of philosophy Now from another standpoint, click there is a simpler way of defining philosophy. I think you will find this easier and plausible. Here it is, philosophy is regarded as “the intellectual search for knowledge of the world and self knowledge”. So i think this is better, this definition is clear and simpler than the technical one, and yet it encapsulates the essence of philosophy. Philosophy as an intrinsic part of human nature: thus, based on this definition, we can say that whether we like it or not, we are by nature philosophers. for the reason that we can’t help but ask profound questions about the many riddles of life and for self actualization, and at the same time we can provide our own answers to these queries accordingly. Given this The act of Philosophizing or philosophical thinking is not foreign to our nature but it is, part of our nature of being human. it is philosophy or philosophical thinking that makes us a human person. Philosophical questions ok Now some philosophical questions that are generally asked are the following: what is life all about? Why do we exist? Is this object real? Is this table really a table?, or What is our purpose or objective in this world? Is life really meaningful? Or, or we can ask what is the meaning of meaning? if there is no meaning of life, when how we can create our own meaning or purpose amidst the futility of human life. Thus, when you are ask these profound questions, and develop principles and theories, you are in effect, philosophizing. And it is through the act of philosophizing that, we can overcome unwisdom thereby gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves and of the world today. Hence, the main task of philosophy is not merely to understand the world but it also deals with self realization or self understanding from a deeper or subterranean vantage point. In addition to this, Philosophy can also help you think critically about life and it can help overcome ignorance or even develop your own principles in achieving excellence in your career path in the future and in your life itself. For instance, if your are pursuing a degree in commerce such as marketing, business management, finance, advertising, or sales etc. Philosophy can help you create norms, laws, code of ethics, and other bi-laws for your own corporate firm or even policies of an awesome recreational bar that you want to establish which shall parallel the dynamics of Revel, Brewery or Xylo of the palace of BGC(of course, When Covid days are done). Furthermore in marketing or sales division, philosophy can help one asses whether your colleagues are genuinely friendly to you or user friendly. If you are an accountant, philosophy can train you to become analytical and systematic in formulating your worksheets and financial/accounting reports to the best of your ability. Through philosophy you can weight the pros and cons in determining what career path that you want to pursue in the life after graduation. Given this philosophy is not just conceived as a mere study of reality but it deals with self understanding. It unlocks our potentials for self actualization. So given this philosophy, I tell my students every term that, philosophy is more than a subject matter, it is a life coaching technique or it is a way of life. The Branches of Philosophy Now moving on, it is said that there are a number branches or issues in philosophy. Now, i said something last meeting about some of the branches in our first meeting. So here they are: 1. Metaphysics- we have metaphysics that deals with the study of reality or what is real. Some philosophers of metaphysics such as Plato and Descartes say that the true reality is the abstract or spiritual reality because it is devoid of changes. Now there are other philosophers of materialism such as Hume Marx and Nietzsche argue that the physical world is the true reality because it is known through 2. empirical observation, while spiritual dimension on the other hand is illusory for the reason that it cannot pass the test of experience or materialistic conditions conditions of the natural world. In other words, spiritual realities are invention of the human mind which is used to give us a false sense of security parang rapid test para sa covid. Thats their view. Epistemology- is one that deals with the theory of knowledge and how can one know reality. And it is said that, Metaphysics and epistemology usually go hand in hand. Metaphysics deals with reality, while Epistemology deals with how can one know reality. Here we have philosophers such as Plato and Descartes who rely on pure reason in determining the truth while those such as Hume and the materialists who argue that it is through use experience where one can achieve knowledge about the world. “to see is to believe.” 3. The Philosophy of religion – this is one that deals with the arguments for and against God’s existence. Suffice it to say, it centers on the arguments that demonstrate or falsify God’s existence.Some philosophers such as ST. Thomas Aquinas argues that God exists because the world is rational, orderly and good. Everything has a purpose in life. Hence, if There is meaning and goodness in the world so therefore there must be a God. However, the atheists such as Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Camus and Sartre. Say that God is illusory because he is a figment of the human imagination. Karl Marx once said that “religion is the opium of the people”. This implies hat religion is a ideology that people create for achieving security reasons and consolation purposes from their sufferings and turmoils. It makes them feel happy and enlightened but it is dehumanizing because it weakens us and it destroys our sense of independence and self reliance in our lives. Thus, Marx and including Nietzsche contend that the only way for us to achieve progression is to deviate from prayer and resort to action for the promotion of the emancipation of the society. 4. . Next, we have logic – now logic is defined as the science of correct reasoning. Logic is a division of philosophy that trains the human mind to arrive at sound assertions or conclusions about life in a structured fashion. Now in addition, the central topics in logic are called the arguments. Argument What is an argument? An argument is defined as a “form of reasoning that can be articulated or expressed in words or symbols”. In addition, an argument is made up of two components we have the premise(or claim)and the conclusion(or final assertion about a given phenomena or event). In line with this, the operations of logical reasoning assumes the form of two basic forms of arguments. These are the deductive and inductive arguments. A) Deductive argument – What is a deductive argument? Answer: This is the way i see it, a deductive argument is one that argues from universals to specifics. It begins with a universal or general statement, followed by a specific instance thereby leading to a given conclusion. Here is an example of a deductive argument is can be presented in this way, “All men are mortal”. This is a universal statement. “Socrates is a man.”-which is a specific instance, and this scheme leads to the conclusion which is stated as Therefore, Socrates is mortal. So deductive arguments starts from a universally true statement, followed by a specific instance and ends with a sound conclusion.Generally deductive reasoning is employed in the field of law. B) Inductive argument- Next, Inductive arguments on the other hand is the reverse, they start with a series of particular observable instances leading to a general or universal conclusion. For example, you are walking in a park and you see a number of swans in three different days successively. now in all three days, you gather that all the swans you see possess the colour white. With this, you mind will gradually arrive at the conclusion that “all Swans are white.”So that’s more or less an inductive argument you start with a series of observable instances leading to a general conclusion. And this form or reasoning is usually employed in science through the methods of experimentation. 5. Cosmology – next we have cosmology. This is a branch of philosophy which deals with the origin or the world(cosmos). Now some philosophers agree with Christian theology claim that the universe is a creation of a divine providence or God. However, other philosophers, particularly the atheists claim that the universe was not created by God but was there all along without any prior cause. And they justify their view through the scientific law known as the “law of thermodynamics” or “conservation of energy”. And this theory that states that matter or energy can never be created nor destroyed. So it follows that the world did not come from God but evolved from the development of matter. And they even claim that the Big bang theory is part of the dynamics of the conservation of energy. In addition, they also agree with Darwin’s theory of evolution that human beings evolved from lower life forms. That in effect, negates the idea that humanity is a creation of God. In line with this, Descartes , Plato and Christianity say that human beings are different than animals because they have the gift of reason which is a dowry from a higher order. However, the great Nietzsche and his predecessor Schopenhauer, beg to differ. They argue that human beings initially don’t have innate reasoning, to their view rationality is a product of our social conditioning which is drilled in our minds. Thus, we have the power of reasoning not because its natural or innate, but it is because we are trained by society to reason. Given this, Nietzsche and Schopenhauer say that man just a product of evolution is a creature of instinct in the likeness of animal life. Thus man and animals they are on equal footing. Man to Nietzsche is an evolved type of animality. However, they can overcome their animal nature through there social conditioning of rationality. 6. Aesthetics- next we have aesthetics. Now generally when you think of aesthetics, you think of beauty or appearance- that which is mesmerizing and visually appealing. Here are some examples of what is aesthetics or phenomenal. A beautiful sunset on a beach on Bora, Amampulo or Palawan or the Lycan car in Fast and Furious 7, or if you are a video gamer, the explosion of an RPG upon impact of a building, can be militaristically amazing. But Aesthetics supersedes this definition, it is a branch of philosophy that concerns itself with Art or creativity. Now from one perspective, there are philosophers who agree with literary writers and artists, that art or literature, are depictions or mirror images of reality. Thus, books, paintings, sculptures, literary novels and essays have connections with our insights about the human world. For example, the classic literature of Robert Frost the road less travelled really conveys individual decision making in one’s own life. However, there are some philosophers who say otherwise. They say that art or literature gives us a false or distorted image of reality. Case in point, There are books and authors that say that money is not everything or they say money epitomizes greed and is thus, evil. Well that’s one perspective, but somewhat shallow because in truth, you can all relate to this, we are Lasallites and we know that materialism appears to reign supreme worldwide. Hence, whether we like or not money talks, money makes the world go round, without money then survival, enjoyment and progress cannot be achieved. Without money or capital, then this awesome university dlsu cannot be possible, without money they businesses cannot be possible. Without money, then corporations or hospitals cannot come into existence. In relation to this, without money, people cannot find the means to develop a viable vaccine against this Covid 19 corona virus(A virus named after the label of a light beer.). Hence, money is not bad at all as certain sources would say. But Money is a necessity and the prerequisite for luxuries and the enjoyment of life. Thus, with all do respects, from one perspective, authors who said that money is not everything is one who has no money and could be possibly be sour graping. Now from another perspective one who said that money is not everything is one who has lotsa money but is humble about it. He is trying to keep a low profile to be socially accepted by others which is ok, but, it doesn’t change that fact that money is a necessity in human life. Next, there are some philosophers such as Plato and Socrates who say that true beauty is not merely the physical appearance but it deals with the beauty of the mind,the intelligence in gaining wisdom about the world and the enhancement of a refined character in one’s own life that is beautiful. From another Angle, Now aside from this some philosophers such as Nietzsche, Sartre and Camus believe that aesthetics is not to be construed in the traditional sense of the word which is paintings or sculptors or books but it should be seen as a way of life particularly, being an individual and unique in one’s lifestyle. Thus, the more daring or revolutionary you are in your way of life, then the more artistic you are in your life . Individualism is a form of aesthetics. I think contemporary fashion nowadays is affliated with this division of philosophy. 7. Next, we have Ethics. This is a branch of philosophy that centers on the issue on morality, dealing with the distinction between good and bad. Now there are philosophers such as Plato and Hegel who argue that the individual self should conform to social norms and follow the doctrines of the higher up in society because it is they who decide what is right or wrong for the general populace. True morality is subjugation to the collective consciousness. However, there are other philosophers such as Nietzsche Camus and Sartre say otherwise, submission to social norms undermines and curtails individual freedom and uniqueness. With that, they propose that the ideals of the established order should be challenged and they contend that genuine morality should be based on the standpoint of the individual self. Suffice it to say, we realize that sometimes ,following the moral law is inadequate, sometimes you have to go beyond the moral law and be the law. Be the creator and determiner of your own standards in life. Universal and relative In addition this point, some philosophers say that the notion of morality is” absolute” or a “universal” phenomenon what is good for one is good for all. However, there are philosophers such as Nietzsche and the existentialists who argue that morality is relative. Which means that due to individual diversities and difference cultural upbringings, the idea of good and bad varies among people. For example, since we are struggling with Covid days, the use of face mask are mandatory policies worldwide. There are those who where surgical masks, others were the typical cloth face masks bought at the palengke, I personally, wear an anti-dust cycling sports valve mask from Rocksbro . It has double valve function for easy breathing and it uses KN95 filters which should be replaced every one or two weeks. Yet there are others who improvise, they convert their bandanas into masks, and I also observed that there are some jeepney drivers who use sanitary napkins as face masks- which is ridiculous , But that’s them. In another case, there are those who side with our current government and those who oppose it. There are those who are anti- Duterte and those who are DDS. The former claim that the Duterte government is filled with corruption, deception, exploitation, hypocrisy and incompetence especially when dealing with the Covid situation. They constantly degrade our current government. However, the DDS camp see things differently, they point out that inspite of the President’s character they argue that Duterte is doing his best effort for the country, he has accomplished a great number of pending governmental projects such as the skyways, and he had to shut down ABS CBN for the reason that the said network is biased, it sided with the yellow camp and it promotes ways of distoring Duterte’s efforts and bi-laws thereby degrading the President. Again these are their standpoints. In my view, I’m not DDS , I’m not anti- Duterte. I follow the government regardless of who runs our government. So since Duterte is our president current, I in good sportsmanship, and obliged to follow his reign. In another example, in countries like the US, its proper to drive on the right side of the road and violation to drive on the left. However in malasyia, hongkong or England, its the reverse, driving on the left is correct, driving on the right is wrong. Now the Philippines is unique, people are suppose to drive on the right but you see alot of motorists and pedicab drivers and driving on the left. As the saying goes its more fun in the Philippines. Even individual interests are also relative. For instance, we all differ in our interests in music genre. Some dig r n b and rap like, 50 cent, Tupac, dua lipa, Cardi B. Some like club atm music such as chain smokers, calvin harris or david guetta, or walk the moon, while there are those such as myself, who dig my style, classic rock music such as music from Guns and Roses! m/ metallica, 3 doors down, Spin doctors, poison,, all American rejects, third eye blind and sum 41. 8. finally, we have personhood or philosophy of the person – which deals with the philosophical theories of human nature, self hood and individualism. Now at this point, I want to discuss the relevance of philosophy. In what way is philosophy important or helpful or applicable to our lives. The Relevance of Philosophy 1. Critical thinking and a profound view of the world One , the merits of philosophy showcases the very essence of “critical thinking” and a profound view of the world. Here, philosophy is that it helps us challenge and become critically aware about the social dogmas of human tradition. It helps us surpass the superficialities of life and to arrive at the truths and realizations of the human realities at a profound view or deeper level. Through philosophy we can distinguish between knowledge and opinion. In addition through critical thinking philosophy, we can realize that the majority, are not always right. For the reason that truth is not about reality but a product of power relations in human society. Thus, We live according to norms but these norms are not real laws, they are shown to be prescripitions of the authorities and higher ups in society. And they use these norms as a way of establishing governance over the minds of humanity. The Sophists and Existentialists are philosophers who advocate the said claims. 2) objective thinking next, aside from fostering critical thinking, philosophy teaches us to practise objective thinking. It helps us become fair and impartial to the various issues of human life, it teaches us to investigate the pros and cons of a given issue and from there you can formulate your stand on the issue at hand . In fact, as implemented by CHED, philosophy now is considered as a pre requisite for law because law entails both critical thinking and objective thinking in our lives. Most of my students in the philosophy major program are now pursuing the college of law and they will become efficient lawyers when they graduate. So if you want to take up law in DLSU or in our very good friend The Ateneo, By all means major in philosophy. So if you want to pursue philosophy or even business in our Alma mater de la salle, they you will have a bright future ahead of you. And you can even use me as a reference if you are applying for a job in . 3. Open mindedness to diversities. – next, philosophy helps us keep an open mind to many different perspectives about life and by doing so we gain a holistic understanding of the world. For example, if you want to know about religion, don’t be one sided. Don’t limit yourselves to the arguments for god’s existence but you must also understand and appreciate the arguments against god’s existence in order for you to develop a more comprehensive standpoint to the domain of religion. 4. Finally, philosophy entails “character development” and “self empowerment”. That is to say, philosophy provides us with guiding principles and theories that will help us reflect upon our lives and it will helps us exhaust our potentials for self actualization. By this we achieve self progress and a stronger integrated sense in our lives. Thus philosophy is not merely about asking questions and seeking answers to the mysteries of life, philosophy is one that teaches us how to live life to the fullest. So given this philosophy is more than a subject matter, philosophy is a life coaching technique and is therefore a way of life. Through philosophy we discover ourselves accordingly. So that ends our discussion, in the introduction so at this point, now since this is our first discussion and i don’t want to overwhelm you with so many concepts. Lets just keep things light for today. Thus, We shall end our day and begin with our discussions on Plato in our next meeting. Please ask you questions here, I’m looking forward in answering them accordingly, Salamat 🙂 CAN SOMEONE GIVE ME SOME INSIGHT ABOUT THESE?