What is Philosophy? | Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Summary

Philosophy, derived from Greek 'philos' and 'sophia', is the love of wisdom. Pythagoras introduced the term to distinguish thinkers from mere debaters. It involves reflective and reasoned inquiry into life's fundamental questions, such as the existence of God, the nature of knowledge and humanity, free will, morality, and the meaning of life. Philosophy is not just an academic pursuit but a way of life, guiding our attitudes and actions, and seeking to make our existence coherent and purposeful.

Takeaways

• 📚 Philosophy is the love of wisdom, derived from the Greek words 'philia' (love) and 'sophia' (wisdom).
• 🏛️ Pythagoras is credited with coining the term 'philosophy' and distinguishing philosophers as lovers of wisdom, different from the Sophists who were more focused on winning arguments.
• 🤔 Philosophers reflect on fundamental questions about life, death, knowledge, morality, and the nature of reality.
• 🏅 Pythagoras identified different groups of people based on their pursuits: lovers of fame, lovers of gain, and lovers of wisdom.
• 🌐 Philosophy is about seeking to understand the ultimate reality and principles underlying existence through reason.
• 🌟 Plato defined a philosopher as someone whose attention is fixed on reality rather than appearances.
• 💭 Philosophy is not just an academic subject but an attitude and activity of the mind, guiding one's approach to life.
• 🧠 Philosophical thinking is essential for living a coherent and purposeful life, affecting our attitudes towards life's challenges.
• 📚 GK Chesterton emphasized that a person's philosophy, or their attitude towards life and the universe, is of utmost importance.
• 🌱 Philosophy is a personal journey, with each individual developing their own set of beliefs and principles to guide their life.
• 🔍 Philosophers are concerned with a wide range of questions, including the existence of God, the nature of knowledge, human identity, morality, aesthetics, and the meaning of life.

Q & A

What is the etymological origin of the word 'philosophy'?

The word 'philosophy' originates from the Greek words 'philia' meaning love, and 'sophia' meaning wisdom.

Who is credited with coining the term 'philosophy'?

Pythagoras of Samos, a sage and mystic from the 6th Century BC, is credited with coining the term 'philosophy'.

What did Pythagoras observe about the different groups of people at the Olympic Games?

Pythagoras observed three groups: lovers of fame who competed, lovers of gain who sold goods, and lovers of spectacle who watched the games.

How did Pythagoras differentiate between sophists and philosophers?

Pythagoras differentiated sophists as men of great intelligence but proud, teaching for pay and focused on winning arguments rather than seeking truth. Philosophers, on the other hand, were lovers of wisdom, interested in understanding life and the universe.

What does philosophy mean according to a standard dictionary definition?

Philosophy is defined as the study of ultimate reality, causes, and principles underlying being, acquired through the use of human reason alone.

What did Plato mean when he defined a philosopher as one whose attention is fixed on reality rather than appearances?

Plato defined a philosopher as someone who is interested in grasping the essential nature of things, focusing on the reality beyond superficial appearances.

How does philosophy relate to an individual's way of thinking and living?

Philosophy is a reflective and reasoned attempt to understand the universe and is also an attitude and activity of the human mind that guides one's approach to life.

What did GK Chesterton say about the importance of a person's philosophy?

GK Chesterton emphasized that a person's attitude towards life and view of the universe is the most important and practical aspect of their philosophy.

What did Emmanuel Kant advise his students about the study of philosophy?

Emmanuel Kant advised his students to learn not just philosophy but how to philosophize, encouraging them to think for themselves and to stand on their own feet.

What is the subject matter of philosophy according to the script?

The subject matter of philosophy includes a wide variety of questions such as the existence of God, the nature of knowledge, human identity, free will, ethics, aesthetics, the meaning of life, and more.

How does philosophy guide humanity according to the script?

Philosophy guides humanity by helping individuals understand the distinction between reality and appearances, right and wrong, and by providing insights into the essence of the world.