Lecture 02

Outlines of the Lecture:

 Meaning & Definitions of Philosophy
 Branches of Philosophy
 Relationship between Law and Philosophy
 Meanings of Philosophy
• The term ‘Philosophy’ is derived from two Greek words- ‘Philos’ and ‘Sophia’.
‘Philos’ means love and ‘Sophia’ means wisdom.
• It is concerned with a search for eternal truth and the man who engages himself in
this search is called philosopher.

• In Indian literature, the word ‘philosophy’ termed as Darśana or in Sanskrit called

‘दर्शन’ or the vision of truth or direct vision of ultimate truth.

• This term is derived from the root verb ‘drs’, to see.

• This seeing may be either perceptual observation or conceptual knowledge or

intuitional experience (direct & immediate apprehension of the truth).

• Darsana means critical exposition, logical survey or a system.

Why study Indian philosophy or Philosophy?
• Philosophy literally means the love of knowledge or more precisely, the
love of wisdom.

• In the past, many thinkers asked fundamental questions and probed the
depths of their own mind for answers.

• The study of their writings is a valuable help in our journey to gain a

greater understanding of ourselves and the universe we find ourselves in.

• As far back as 1500 B.C., we find in the hymns of the Rig Veda, a spirit of
inquiry into the nature of things.
 General Definitions of Philosophy
• “Philosophy is a rigorous, disciplined and guarded analysis of some most
difficult problems which man has ever faced.”

• It is a particular way of looking at things. Philosophizing involves thinking,

criticism and the process of solving the philosophical problem through
different philosophical methods.
 Various Definitions of Philosophy

• “Philosophy is the science of knowledge.” -Fichte

• “Philosophy is a logical enquiry into the Nature of Reality.” -Dr. Radha Krishan
• “Philosophy like science, consists of theories of insights arrived at as a result of
systematic reflection.” -Joseph A. Leighton
• “Philosophy like other studies aims primarily at knowledge.” -Russell
• “Philosophy aims at a knowledge of the eternal nature of things.” -Plato
• “Philosophy is a search for comprehensive view of nature, an attempt at
universal explanation of the nature of things.” -Alfred Weber
• “Philosophy is an increasing effort to discover the general truth that lies behind
the particular facts to discern also the reality that lie behind appearance.” -
Raymont
 Branches of Philosophy
Philosophy

Metaphysics Epistemology Axiology

(Theory of Reality) (Theory of Knowledge) (Theory of Value)
1.Theology 1. Origin of knowledge 1.Logic
2.Ontology 2. Types of knowledge 2. Ethics
3. Cosmology 3. Method of knowledge 3. Aesthetic
4. Cosmogony 4. Validity of knowledge 4. Law
5. Philosophy of self 5. Sources of knowledge (Jurisprudence)
6. Eschatology (soul after death)
‘Jurisprudence’
• juris = of law
• prudens = skilled, caution, prudence, balance
‘analytical’ jurisprudence: scientific analysis of legal structures and
concepts
‘normative jurisprudence’: knowledge of nature, place, role of law
within society, evaluation of legal rules and structures.
 Relationship between Philosophy and Law
• Jurisprudence or philosophy of law is a major branch of Philosophy.

• "the Science of Justice" and "the Art of Justice” to interpreted natural and non natural right and
justice.

• Study of the nature of law and its relationship to human values, attitudes, practices, and
political communities.

• it proceeds by articulating and defending propositions about law that are general and abstract—i.e.,
that are true not of a specific legal system at a particular time.

• It aims to distinguish law from other systems of norms, such as morality or other social conventions.

• Foundations of morality, justice, and rights; the nature of human action and intention; the relations
between social practices and values; the nature of knowledge and truth; and the justification of
political rule.
Cont..

• History of law has started with Homer and Hesiods writings and literatures by their abstract

conceptual laws.

• Various punishment theories or ways in the ancient Greek-Roman cities.

• Greek tragedy-Oedipus the King.

• Socratic dialectical methods and his death penalty.

• Traditional Indian laws are like Dharmasashtra, Manusmriti, and Arthasashtra.