Introduction to Philosophy (PHI 101: Lecture 1)

Summary

This introductory lecture on philosophy explores its etymological roots, tracing back to ancient Greece with 'philosophia' meaning 'love of wisdom'. It distinguishes between the historical pursuit of wisdom and the modern academic discipline, which encompasses five main branches: epistemology, metaphysics, axiology, logic, and the history of philosophy. The lecture emphasizes philosophy's unique role in seeking truth and understanding the underlying structures of the universe, setting it apart from other disciplines.

Takeaways

• 📚 Philosophy is defined etymologically as the 'love of wisdom', originating from the ancient Greek words 'philia' (love) and 'sophia' (wisdom).
• 🛠️ The academic definition of philosophy refers to it as a discipline that includes various areas of research and teaching, distinct from but related to other academic fields.
• 🏛️ The term 'philosophy' was possibly first used by Pythagoras in the 6th century BCE and later popularized by Plato in reference to Socrates.
• 🌐 The modern academy views philosophy as an umbrella term for five main areas: epistemology, metaphysics, axiology, logic, and the history of philosophy.
• 🤔 Epistemology focuses on the nature and acquisition of knowledge, questioning how we distinguish knowledge from opinion and how we obtain knowledge.
• 🌌 Metaphysics explores the fundamental nature of existence and reality, including ontology, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of religion.
• 🏅 Axiology is concerned with evaluative judgments, encompassing ethics, aesthetics, and political philosophy, which examine moral, aesthetic, and social values.
• 🔍 Logic is the study of rational thought and argumentation, including both inductive and deductive reasoning systems.
• 📜 The history of philosophy involves understanding the development of philosophical ideas in their social and historical contexts.
• 🔑 Philosophy's importance lies in its pursuit of truth and understanding the 'why' behind the universe's order, setting it apart from other disciplines that may focus on 'how' things are.
• 🚀 The script emphasizes the need for a general understanding of philosophy's domains, similar to having a basic grasp of scientific disciplines and their areas of investigation.

Q & A

What is the etymological definition of philosophy?

Etymologically, philosophy is derived from two ancient Greek words, 'philia' and 'sophia', which together mean 'the love of wisdom'. It was first used to describe a pursuit or passion for wisdom, rather than a possession of it.

What does 'philia' originally mean in ancient Greek?

Originally, 'philia' was associated with the attitude one had towards their tribe or community (polis) in ancient Greece, representing an active and passionate disposition towards its object.

How is 'sophia' defined in the context of ancient Greece?

'Sophia' in ancient Greece was associated with being clever, having skills that cause admiration, and possessing a kind of knowledge that is rare and implies the truth, as opposed to common opinion or belief.

Who is credited with the earliest usage of the term 'philosophy'?

The earliest usage of the term 'philosophy' is attributed to Pythagoras of Samos in the late 6th century BCE, although it was popularized by Plato in reference to his mentor, Socrates.

What is the academic definition of philosophy in the modern context?

In the modern academic context, philosophy is an academic discipline that encompasses distinct but related areas of research and teaching, such as epistemology, metaphysics, axiology, logic, and the history of philosophy.

What is the role of the academy in the context of knowledge?

The academy, including public and private research institutions, primary and secondary schools, post-secondary colleges and universities, and libraries, is dedicated to the discovery, transmission, and preservation of knowledge.

How does philosophy fit into the modern academy?

Philosophy in the modern academy does not fall under the arts or sciences but forms its own category. It is an umbrella term for five distinct but related areas of research and teaching.

What are the five major sub-disciplines of academic philosophy?

The five major sub-disciplines of academic philosophy are epistemology, metaphysics, axiology, logic, and the history of philosophy.

What is the focus of epistemology in philosophy?

Epistemology focuses on problems and puzzles relating to the nature and acquisition of knowledge, aiming to distinguish knowledge from opinion, determine if knowledge is achievable by humans, and understand how knowledge is obtained.

What does metaphysics investigate in philosophy?

Metaphysics investigates the nature of existence itself, including the existence or non-existence of phenomena, the nature of ultimate reality, and the first principles or most basic questions of philosophy.

What is the role of axiology in philosophy?

Axiology is the philosophical investigation of value, including ethics, aesthetics, and political philosophy. It deals with evaluative judgments and what gives them meaning.

What is the focus of logic in philosophy?

Logic is the systematic investigation of reason and argument in philosophy. It focuses on the nature of rational thought, the structures of reason, and the conditions necessary for valid argumentation.

What is the purpose of studying the history of philosophy?

The history of philosophy is the study of philosophers and their ideas in their social and historical context. It helps to understand the development of philosophical thought and recognize our own contextual limitations.

Why is philosophy considered both descriptive and normative?

Philosophy is considered both descriptive and normative because it seeks not only to understand how the world is but also why it is the way it is. It is interested in the underlying structures and the nature of ruling laws or order in the universe.