Philosophy

Bianca Amisola

1Bio5

Philosophy
It is the critical study of the basic principles and concepts of a
particular branch of knowledge, especially with a view to improving or
reconstituting them; the rational investigation of the truths and principle of
being, knowledge, or conduct.

Characteristic

Open-mindedness: It is the willingness to afford a fair hearing to all.

Skepticism: It is those received opinions and the status quo.
A systematic approach: It shows connections between different parts of belief or

thought systems.
A basis in justifying reasons: to convince informed, nonsectarian people
Universality: Although its method and questions remain the

same,

interpretations and applications will differ from place to place.

Nature
Etymologically, "philosophy" can be broken into the following roots and
examples: Philo, which means fond of, affinity for; e.g., the name Philip means
lover of horses and Sophia, which means wisdom; e.g., the name Sophie
means wisdom.

Function and Role

Philosophy is a necessary product of man's rational mind. To live, man
must gain knowledge of the world. To understand the world, man must form
conclusions about its very nature. For instance, to gain knowledge of particular
objects, man must recognize that objects have identity. He must recognize that
conclusions are possible because the world does exist, and exists in a particular

way.

Branches
Metaphysics Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy responsible for the
study of existence. It is the foundation of a worldview. It answers the question
"What is?" It encompasses everything that exists, as well as the nature of
existence itself. It says whether the world is real, or merely an illusion. It is a
fundamental view of the world around us.

Epistemology Epistemology is the study of our method of acquiring

knowledge. It answers the question, "How do we know?" It encompasses the
nature of concepts, the constructing of concepts, the validity of the senses,
logical reasoning, as well as thoughts, ideas, memories, emotions, and all
things mental. It is concerned with how our minds are related to reality, and
whether these relationships are valid or invalid.

Ethics Ethics is the branch of study dealing with what is the proper course
of action for man. It answers the question, "What do I do?" It is the study of
right and wrong in human endeavors. At a more fundamental level, it is the
method by which we categorize our values and pursue them. Do we pursue our
own happiness, or do we sacrifice ourselves to a greater cause? Is that
foundation of ethics based on the Bible, or on the very nature of man himself,
or neither?

Politics Politics is the study of force, it is ethics applied to a group of people.

It answers the question, "What actions are permissible?" Politics tells you how a

society must be set up and how one should act within a society. Except for
hermits, this comes up a lot.

Esthetics Esthetics is the study of art. It includes what art consists of, as well
as the purpose behind it. Does art consist of music, literature, and painting? Or
does it include a good engineering solution, or a beautiful sunset? These are the
questions that aimed at in esthetics. It also studies methods of evaluating art,
and allows judgments of the art. Is art in the eye of the beholder? Does
anything that appeals to you fit under the umbrella of art? Or does it have a
specific nature? Does it accomplish a goal?
Relationship with other disciplines
Philosophy provides the framework for which man can understand the
world. It provides the premises by which man can discover truth, and use his
mind to support his life. Every man has an understanding of the world. Every
man must have a philosophy, even if it is never made explicit.

References: http://www.importanceofphilosophy.com/FiveBranchesMain.html
http://dickinsg.intrasun.tcnj.edu/diaspora/part2/pwrpnt/imbo/sld003.htm