What is philosophy?

Demonstrate an understanding of some of the

main ideas expressed by philosophers from
various parts of the world
Evaluate the positions of some of the major
philosophers and schools of philosophy

Comes from 2 Greek words:

+
Philein
+
Love of
+

Sophia
Wisdom

So then what is philosophy?

The shortest definition is it is thinking about thinking.
or rational critical thinking.

Note wisdom has little to do with knowing facts, common

sense, or being intelligent . It has to do with being
insightful about human existence and above all realizing
how little humans really know.
Coming to this realization is a necessary and sometimes
painful first step toward achieving wisdom.
Taking this step sets the stage for you
to begin philosophizing.

Example: most people rarely give the concept of time a 2nd

thought. This is not the philosophers way. They ask
questions like: does time really exist? If it does what is it?
Their task is not merely to simply understand concepts
but to they and understand what exists and the nature of
that existence.
The objective of philosophy is autonomy which refers to
ones ability to freely make rational decisions for
themselves.
Philosophy asks people to become autonomous thinkers
by thinking for themselves and developing their own
positions based on well-reasoned arguments.

Rules of Logic
Critical Reflection
Clear Thinking
Creative Imagination

The Ship of Theseus

"The ship whereinTheseusand the youth

ofAthensreturned [fromCrete] had thirty oars,
and was preserved by the Athenians down even to
the time ofDemetrius Phalereus, for they took
away the old planks as they decayed, putting in
new and stronger timber in their place, insomuch
that this ship became a standing example among
thephilosophers, for the logical question of things
that grow; one side holding that the ship remained
the same, and the other contending that it was not
the same."
Plutarch,Theseus

Cell regeneration Are you you?

Prosthetics & and phantom limbs Which one is
you?
What parts of you are necessary and sufficient for you
being you?

Similarities

Differences

Desire to understand
everything: how the brain
works, mystery of the
universe

Scientist: How world is

perceived by the senses
(testing, observing)
Philosopher: Not to explain
and observe but to
understand the meaning of
these processes

Both Plato and Aristotle were Philosophical

System Builders
Originating a complete philosophy that
attempts to answer major philosophical
questions
Rene Descartes next major Philosopher

Read the Allegory of the Cave