The word philosophy comes from two Greek words: philos (love) and sophia (wisdom).

People who engage in philosophy are called philosophers.

Most Notable Ancient Greek Philosophers

Pythagoras (570 BCE to 495 BCE) a mathematician and scientist who was credited with formulating the
Pythagorean Theorem.

Heraclitus (535 BCE to 475 BCE) proposed that everything that exists is based on a higher order or plan
which he called logos and was credited with the saying “ no man ever steps in the same river twice”.

Democritus (460 BCE to 370 BCE) was the first to propose that matter is composed of tiny particles
called atoms.

Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE to 323 BCE) was a known advocate of living a simple and virtuous life.

Epicurus (341 BCE to 270 BCE) believed that philosophy could enable man to live a life of happiness.

Socrates (470 BCE to 399 BCE) believed that philosophy could enable man to live a life of virtue and was
a known critic of intellectuals during his time.

Plato (427 BCE to 347 BCE) A student of Socrates, he wrote down his mentor’s teachings and
incorporated some of his own ideas into them.

Aristotle (384 BCE to 322 BCE) a student of plato. He believed that all ideas and views are based on
perception and our reality is based on what we can sense and perceive.

Plato traced man’s need to philosophize to his sense of wonder.

Rene Descartes traced the need to philosophize to doubt.

Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize because of experience.

Finally, the need to philosophize is driven by the love of wisdom.

To love wisdom is to have an insatiable desire for truth.

How do we characterize the study of philosophy?

-Consider it as a way of analyzing frameworks

Framework is defined as a way of thinking about the world and is composed of the views and beliefs of a
person.

Internal Questions- questions dealing with our own correctness and values.

External questions- seek to question the very frameworks upon which people base their own beliefs and
views.

 An examination of a particular area of knowledge

 Distinct area of knowledge with its own goals, concerns, and ways of doing things.
Several Branches:
Aesthetics- philosophy which deals with beauty and what make things beautiful.
Logic- philosophy which deals with correct reasoning
Epistemology- nature of knowledge and knowing
Ethics- Moral Questions and Dilemmas
Political Philosophy- Studies governments and deals with questions of justice, power and rights
and obligations of citizens.
Metaphysics- deals with questions regarding reality and experience
Philosophy of the Human Person- is an area in philosophy that understands the human person
from a political perspective

Philosophy is a reflective and meditative activity.

Philosophy is a method of mental exercise.

Holistic Thinking- refers to the perspective that considers large-scale patterns in systems. This is
often described as looking at the “big picture” when describing and analyzing a situation or
problem.
 Partial Thinking- focuses on a specific aspects of a situation.

What are the practical uses of philosophy in our lives

 Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of concepts,
definitions, arguments and problems.
 Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making
o A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately present his or
her ideas
 Wisdom- is one intended product of philosophizing. This refers to a persons ability to apply
knowledge to daily life particularly in making sound choices and judgment.
 Knowledge of philosophy can contribute to self-development.

Philosophy is concerned with determining truth since it lies at the heart of any inquiry.

Facts are statements that are observed to be real or truth.

Opinions are comprised of statements which not only give facts but also provide conclusions or
perspectives regarding certain situations.

Arguments are a series of statements that provide reasons to convince the reader or listener that a
claim or opinion is truthful

Fallacies this means that they are products of faulty reasoning.

Opinions are often influenced by bias. Discuss

Self-awareness refers to the person having a clear perception of oneself, including his or her thoughts,
emotions, identity, and actions.

Interiority – the que