What is Philosophy?

The word philosophy comes from two Greek

words: philos (love) and sophia (wisdom). The Ancient
Greeks used this term to refer to “love of wisdom” and
they soon applied it to the study or discipline that uses
human reason to investigate the ultimate causes,
reasons, and principles which govern all things. People
who engage in philosophy are called philosophers or
“lovers of wisdom”. Among the ancient Greeks, the
philosophers became pioneers in various fields of
knowledge such as history, biology, medicine,
mathematics, astronomy, and even physics. It was quite
common to hear of ancient philosophers who were
“experts” in various fields of learning.
The following are the most notable ancient Greek philosophers.

Pythagoras (570 BCE to 495BCE) – A mathematician

and scientist, he was credited with formulating the
Pythagorean theorem. His work earned him many
followers, and he established a community of learners
who were devoted to the study of religion and philosophy.
Heraclitus (535 BCE to 475 BCE) – He proposed that
everything that exists is based on a higher order to plan
which he called logos. For him, change is a permanent
aspect of the human condition as he was credited with
the saying, “No man ever steps in the same river twice.”
Democritus (460 BCE to 370 BCE) – He devoted himself
to the study of the causes of natural phenomena. He was
among the first to propose that matter is composed of tiny
particles called atom.
Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE to 323 BCE) – He was a
known advocate of living a simple and virtuous life. For
Diogenes, one should not talk of virtue but should show it
in words and actions. His emphasis on austerity and
simplicity often went to the extreme, and he was said to
have lived like a bigger. His teachings and views were later
developed by his followers and influenced the development
of several schools of philosophy such as Cynicism and
Stoicism.
Epicurus (341 BCE to 270 BCE) – He believed that
philosophy could enable man to live a life of happiness. His
views gave rise to Epicureanism – a school of philosophy
which believes that wisdom and simple living will result in a
life free of fear and pain.
Socrates – (470 BCE to 399 BCE) – He was considered
the foremost philosopher of ancient times. He made great
contributions to the field of ethics. Socrates was a known
critic of intellectuals during his time, but he himself did not
claim to be “wise” and merely considered himself a
“midwife” that helped inquiring minds achieve wisdom. He
was credited with formulating the Socratic Method – a
means of examining a topic by devising a series of
questions that let the learner examine and analyze his
knowledge and views regarding the topic.
Plato (427 BCE to 347 BCE) – A student of Socrates, he
wrote down his mentor’s teachings and incorporated some
of his own ideas into them. His teachings and writings were
considered the foundation of Western Philosophy. Plato’s
most significant ideas included his Theory of Forms,
which proposes that everything that exists is based on an
idea or template that can only be perceived in the mind;
these nonphysical ideas are eternal and unchanging. Plato
is also known for his dialectic - a method of inquiry where
two opposing ideas are discussed in an attempt to arrive at
new knowledge. Plato’s lasting contribution to learning was
his founding of the Academy, an institution of higher
learning which was the first of its kind in the Western World
Aristotle (384 BCE to 322 BCE) – He attended the
Academy, and was a prominent student of Plato.
Aristotle, however, disagreed with Plato’s theory of
forms and took a difference stance in interpreting
reality. For him, all ideas and views are based on
perception and our reality is based on what we can
sense and perceived. This view greatly influenced the
study of the physical sciences. His studies in logic led
to the formulation of a formal process of analyzing
reasoning which gave rise to deductive reasoning –
the process by which specific statements are analyzed
to reach a conclusion or generalization.
Why is there a need to philosophize?
Philosophers have often wondered and
argued about the role of philosophy in man’s
life. One view is that each one of us is a
philosopher’s, whether or not we have studied
philosophy. We all have the potential o
philosophize since we have the tendency to
wonder and doubt. We possess the capacity to
reflect on our experiences, and we have a
never-ending to learn and discover.
 The Greek philosopher Plato traced man’s need to
philosophize to his sense of wonder. Whenever we are
confronted with an experience, we always wonder how it
came about. Man’s over bounding curiosity drives him to
ask questions, some of which have no definite answers.
This perspective drives the need of a philosopher to
question, examine, and learn more.
The 15th century French philosopher Rene Descartes
traced the need to philosophize to doubt. Descartes was
famous for rejecting or questioning established ideas, and
he even went as far as doubting his own ideas. His method
of examining ideas and perspectives became the basis of
critical thinking and analysis in the sciences. A critical and
questioning perspective is necessary to determine if indeed
these ideas or views are correct or true.
 The 20th century Swiss-German philosopher
Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize because
of experience. Jaspers believed that man is often
confronted by experiences which challenge his
ideas and frameworks. Jaspers called these
experiences limit situations, and these are often
accompanied by feelings of helplessness, anxiety,
or dread. For Jaspers, philosophy provides us a
means to understand adverse or challenging
conditions, and to rise above them and gain new
knowledge and perspective.
 Finally, the need to philosophize is driven by the love
for wisdom. To love wisdom is to have an insatiable desire
for truth. A philosopher does not seek knowledge to claim
ownership of it; and one who engages in philosophy is not
satisfied with figuring out the answer to a questions.
Socrates is famous for having said “I know that I do not
know…” and it is in accepting this state of ignorance that one
can begin to learn and understand. By expanding our
knowledge through philosophy , we begin to realize that
learning is unceasing - there is lot more to learn and
experience in life. Socrates is also recognized for his motto:
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” And nowhere is it
more appropriate to embark on philosophy than in an
examination of our own life.
How do we characterize the study of philosophy?
One way of looking at philosophy is to consider it
as a way of analyzing frameworks. A framework is
defined as a way of thinking about the world and is
composed of the views and beliefs of a person.
Whenever a person encounters a problem or question
in life, he or she often goes back to his or her own
framework in order to make sense of the problem.
Questions dealing with our own correctness and
values are considered internal questions which can
be addressed using our own personal frameworks.
 Also, there are external questions that seek to
question the very frameworks upon which people base
their own beliefs and views. For instance, a child who is
going through the bitter experience of his or her parents’
separation will be in state of confusion a his or her
experience does not conform to his or her personal
framework of what a family should be.
Philosophy can also be thought of as an
examination of a particular area of knowledge. The
central principle in philosophy is examination and
questioning, and this is often applied in the analysis of
the frameworks of other areas or sciences.
 Philosophy itself is a distinct area of knowledge with
his own goals, concerns, and ways of doing things. It is
often divided into several branches each of which deals with
a particular aspect of life or phenomena. The philosophy
which deals with beauty and what makes things ‘beautiful”
is called Aesthetics. Logic is the branch of philosophy
which deals with correct reasoning, while Epistemology
discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing. Ethics is
the branch which deals with moral questions and dilemmas,
while Political Philosophy studies governments and deals
with questions of justice, power and the rights and
obligations of citizens. Metaphysics is a branch of
philosophy which deals with questions regarding reality and
existence.
Although not a branch itself, Philosophy of the
Human Person is an area in philosophy that
understands the human persons from a
philosophical perspective – integrating and
synthesizing the different branches of philosophy
and other fields of study to know the truth about the
human person. They suggest two important facts
about philosophizing: philosophy is a reflective
and meditative activity, and it has no designated
subject matter of its own. It is also a method of
mental exercise on any type of experience.
 What is the difference between holistic thinking and partial
thinking?
Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that considers large-
scale patterns in system. This is often described as looking at the
“big picture” when describing and analyzing a situation or problem.
A holistic perspective requires an individual to have an open
mindset and an ability to get the general sense or impression
regarding a situation.
Partial thinking focuses on specific aspects of a situation.
The partial view is an important component of analytical thinking,
as an individual focuses on certain area or aspects of a problem in
order to understand it. Though partial thinking is useful, philosophy
utilizes holistic thinking in making sense of problems and issues
related to the human experience.
How does one engage in reflection?
Reflection requires a person to be willing to
examine one’s thought, feelings, and actions
and to learn more about one’s life and
experiences. One can reflect on almost any
subject. For instance, the moment you wake up
you can already reflect upon the things that you
plan to do for the day. This will enable you to set
your daily goals and set you on the path of
thinking of ways to achieve them.
 Reflection is vital in in ensuring that our
actions and decisions are well thought out and
are done with due regard for their implications
and consequences on ourselves, others, and
our surroundings. Reflection helps us
understand ourselves and our actions better.
When we reflect, we can judge whether our
actions or decisions are reasonable or not.
Taking time to analyze your decisions and
actions is one vital skill that will greatly help you
as you encounter more challenges in life.
What are the practical uses of philosophy in our
lives?
Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical
analysis and interpretation of concepts, definitions,
arguments, and problems. It is also trains to be critical of
our own ideas as well as of others – meaning, we don’t
simply acceptor reject whatever is presented to us. One
can apply this critical and analytical mindset in processing
information gained from media and addressing certain
issues encountered in life. Critical thinking skills can help
us avoid being tricked by false claims or manipulative
schemes.
 Philosophy also improves problem-solving and
decision making. The ability to analyze a problem or
dilemma, identify its significant aspects, and come up with
alternative solutions is an important skills learned through
philosophy.
A philosopher is a good communicator who can
clearly and adequately present his or her ideas.
Discussion and debate require skills in presenting and
communicating ideas. Philosophy can also help us to be
more open to new and different ideas. Communication
skills are also enhanced by the study of philosophy
because it train us to be very clear and precise about our
thoughts and sentiments in order to express exactly what
we want to say.
 Wisdom is one intended product of philosophizing,
and this refers to a person’s ability to apply knowledge to
daily life particularly in making sound choices and
judgement.
Finally, knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to
self-development. One can be better student, scientist,
artist, professional, and citizen if he or she has the capacity
for inquiry, critical thinking and reflection. In addition,
philosophy encourages a person to know oneself, hos or
her strengths and weakness, establish an identity, and
determine his or her purpose in life. These are tools to
develop one’s own ideas and views and engage in useful
activities in the community, nation, and the world at large.