What is philosophy? An Introduction
Expectations from this course: You will be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of some of the main ideas expressed by philosophers from various world traditions Evaluate the position of some of the major philosophers and schools of philosophy Use critical and logical thinking skills to formulate your own ideas about some of the main questions of philosophy and explain and defend those ideas.
What is philosophy?
A word from Bill and Ted..
When he who hears doesn t know what he who speaks means, and when he who speaks doesn t know what he himself means--that is philosophy. --Voltaire
Where does the word Philosophy come from? Greek meaning, love of wisdom and is an apt description. Philosophers pursue answers to the most fundamental questions. Unlike other academic disciplines, it is not defined by a specific content area. Philosophers study knowledge and the fundamental nature of the world.
Doing philosophy Philosophy is a process for exploring certain kinds of questions. Philosophers talk about doing philosophy, not about knowing philosophy.
The 7 areas of Philosophy
Philosophical Method The philosophical method is using logical analysis to evaluate reasoning in arguments about philosophical questions Philosophers investigate questions by giving (or critiquing) arguments for particular answers. To do this, philosophers use logic, which allow them to evaluate the reasoning in those arguments.
The Ship of Thesius
Plato s Forms
Plato s Cave
Which fields of Philosophy apply?
Plato (428-348 bce) Plato is revered as greatest philosopher in world history. He recorded his works and has been copied and re-copied over millennia. His most famous work was the Republic.
Forms and Things To understand Plato s worldview, it is important to grasp the distinction between FORMS and THINGS THINGS-aspects of reality that we perceive through our senses (a tree, a car, a table, beautiful model, etc) Everything we experience in our world of sensation is constantly changing (the table will wear down, the car will age, a beautiful model will age) This is the realm of appearances (and we know that appearances can be deceptive). This world we perceive with our senses is an imitation of the real world of absolute and perfect forms. FORMS-Idos (Greek) meaning ideas are eternal and unchanging. This is the realm of perfect concepts and is grasped,not by the senses, but by reason. World of the forms is the really real world For every particular and imperfect thing that exists in the sensible realm, there is a corresponding absolute and perfect form.
Theory of forms Everything on earth, whether an object (such as a car) or an idea (such as justice), is actually an imperfect copy of an ideal and permanent form that exists somewhere, beyond our universe. This is known as the Theory of Forms. The place where all these ideal forms exist is guided by a heavenly force that Plato believed should influence our behavior.
The allegory of the cave Book VII, Republic the story is based on a discussion between Plato s brother Glaucon, and Socrates, his teacher. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltwwy8ok5i0
Book VII, Republic the story is based on a discussion between Plato s brother Glaucon, and Socrates, his teacher. http:// www.youtube.com/ watch?
Task: Analyzing Plato s Carefully read Plato s Allegory of the Cave. Review your notes on Plato s Theory of Forms. How does the allegory relate to Plato s Theory of Forms? What are the implications for human knowledge in light of Plato s allegory? Present your ideas in a visual format (prezi, visual timeline, bristol board) include excerpts from the allegory