Lecture 04 : History of Western Philosophy

Summary

In this lecture, the professor provides an overview of the history of Western philosophy, beginning with ancient Greek philosophy and progressing through the medieval, modern, and contemporary periods. Key themes include the differences between philosophy and theology, the role of reason and faith in philosophical inquiry, and the evolution of philosophical thought over time. The lecture touches on influential figures like St. Augustine and St. Thomas, explores the shift from faith to reason during the modern period, and introduces contemporary philosophical methods such as analytic and continental philosophy. The course focuses primarily on ancient and modern philosophers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The lecture introduces the history of Western philosophy, starting with Greek philosophy and moving through medieval, modern, and contemporary periods.
• 😀 Philosophy is distinguished from theology, with philosophy relying on reason and argument, while theology starts with faith and beliefs about God.
• 😀 Greek philosophers are credited as the founders of Western science due to their focus on rational explanations of the natural world.
• 😀 The medieval period was deeply intertwined with theology, with philosophers like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas exploring the relationship between faith and reason.
• 😀 St. Augustine argued that knowledge involves sensation, judgment, and contemplation, and that the soul is superior to the body.
• 😀 The problem of evil is discussed, where St. Augustine explains that evil is necessary for the enhancement of greater good, similar to how shadows enhance the moon's beauty.
• 😀 St. Thomas Aquinas differentiated between philosophy (reason) and theology (faith), asserting that they do not oppose each other but complement one another.
• 😀 The modern period criticized the medieval period, re-emphasizing the power of human reason and the ability to understand everything through it, especially in epistemology.
• 😀 The modern period also introduced rationalism and a new focus on the nature and limits of knowledge, shaping much of modern philosophy.
• 😀 The contemporary period, starting in 1860, is characterized by analytic philosophy, which focuses on the analysis of language, and continental philosophy, which emphasizes phenomenology.
• 😀 The course will focus on ancient and modern philosophy, particularly pre-Socratic philosophers, Socrates, and Aristotle, with less emphasis on the medieval and contemporary periods.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Lecture 4?

The main topic of Lecture 4 is the history of Western philosophy, specifically how philosophy evolved from the ancient period to the contemporary period.

What has been discussed in previous classes leading up to Lecture 4?

In previous classes, the philosophy itself was discussed, including its definition, branches, and how it differs from other subjects, such as theology and science.

What is the difference between philosophy and theology as discussed in the lecture?

Philosophy relies on reason and argument to understand the world, whereas theology starts with the assumption of a divine being or beings (such as God) and explains the world from that perspective.

How does the lecturer explain the difference between philosophy and theology?

The lecturer states that philosophy involves reasoning and analysis based on arguments and concepts, while theology is rooted in faith, starting with the belief in God and exploring the world through that lens.

What was the major characteristic of Greek philosophers in the ancient period?

Greek philosophers were free thinkers who sought to understand the world through reason and argument, free from religious biases.

How did medieval philosophers differ from Greek philosophers in their approach to understanding the world?

Medieval philosophers, unlike the Greeks, integrated theology into their philosophical frameworks, using religious beliefs to explain various aspects of the world.

What was Saint Augustine's view on knowledge and its relation to God?

Saint Augustine argued that understanding is necessary for belief, and belief is necessary for understanding. He emphasized that God is the ultimate source of knowledge, and the church is the final authority on matters of faith.

What is the problem of evil as discussed by Saint Augustine?

The problem of evil is the contradiction between the existence of a good, all-powerful God and the presence of evil in the world. Saint Augustine argued that evil exists as a necessary condition for the greater good.

How does Saint Thomas Aquinas view the relationship between faith and reason?

Saint Thomas Aquinas argued that faith and reason do not oppose each other but rather complement each other. He believed that faith is higher than reason, and reason can be used to defend faith and address objections against it.

How does the modern period of philosophy differ from the medieval period?

The modern period emphasizes human reason and the capacity to know everything through it. Philosophers in the modern period criticized the medieval focus on faith and instead gave importance to rationalism and scientific inquiry.