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Philosophy
University
Introduction to the Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy. Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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What you need to know
Read the full theory →Definition, nature, and subfields of philosophy
- Etymology: philosophĭa (love of wisdom).
- Definition: Reflection on the essence, causes, and effects of nature, man, and the universe.
- Objective: To achieve true knowledge by overcoming the vagueness and contradiction of ordinary knowledge.
- Difference from mysticism/religion: Use of rational arguments versus those of authority.
- Difference from science: Predominance of non-empirical methods, conceptual analysis, and thought experiments.
- Formal logic: Rules of inference and formal relations between propositions.
- Informal logic: Weighting and validity of reasons in everyday life.
- Epistemology: The study of the nature of knowledge and beliefs.
- Metaphysics: The study of the fundamental nature of reality.
- Ethics: Reflection on good, evil, virtue, dignity, and rights.
- World Philosophy Day: Third Thursday of November.
Concept, etymology, branches, and methodology of philosophy
- Etymology: philosopher is one who loves wisdom (attributed to Pythagoras, 530 BCE)
- Platonic Distinction: Philosophers seek the truth; Sophists claimed to possess it and charged for it
- Classical division (Diogenes Laertius): Natural (physics), Moral (ethics), and Metaphysics (logic/existence)
- General method: It is a priori (independent of experience), in contrast to the standard scientific method
- Specific methods: Socratic method (Maieutics), methodical doubt, thought experiments, axiomatic method
- Philosophical problems: Questions without clear answers regarding being, causality, truth, morality, and beauty
- Specialization: In the 19th century, disciplines such as psychology and sociology were separated from academic philosophy
- Ancient medicine (440 BC): Linked medicine with philosophy to define the human being
African Philosophy, Indigenous American Philosophy, and Debates on Progress
- African philosophy: produced by the African people with their own methods and worldviews.
- Ethno-philosophy: the study of the meaning and unique characteristics of African philosophy.
- Zera Yacob: a key figure of the Ethiopian literary tradition in the 17th century.
- Anton Wilhelm Amo: a respected African philosopher in Germany (c. 1703–1759).
- Key African concepts: Ujamaa, 'Force' (Bantu), Negritude, Pan-Africanism, and Ubuntu.
- Contemporary influences: Marxism, critical race theory, post-colonialism, and feminism.
- Great Spirit: metaphysical principle (wakȟáŋ tȟáŋka / gitche manitou) in Native American cultures.
- Orenda: the concept of 'spiritual power' shared by indigenous communities.
- Shamanism: a practice to access transcendental experiences (dreams, visions).
- Indigenous Ethics: the extension of morality to non-human animals and plants.
- Tlamatini: philosopher-scholars of the Aztec tradition.
- Ometéotl: Dual Cosmic Energy, a concept of balance in the Aztec worldview.
- Téotl: an Aztec theory comparable to pantheism.
- Tlamatiliztli: the pursuit of wisdom based on moderation and the 'golden mean'.
- Amawtakuna: the elite of philosopher-scholars in Inca education.
- Yanantin and Masintin: Andean concepts of 'complementary opposites' for harmony.
- Progress Debate: McGinn (no progress), Chalmers (similar to science), Brewer (incorrect standard).
Allegorical and symbolic representations of Philosophy
- Alfanio: Philosophy as the daughter of experience and memory
- Alfanio's Books: naturalis and moralis
- Alfanio's Colors: blue (air), crimson (fire), sky blue (water), yellow (earth)
- Alfanio's Inscription: Causarum cognitio (knowledge of causes)
- Boethius: Duality between theory and practice (active and speculative philosophy)
- Cochin: Philosophy supported by the bridle of reason
- Picart (Physics): Represented by stars
- Picart (Morality): Represented by a scepter
- Picart (Metaphysics): Represented by the serpent (eternity)
- Picart (Logic): Represented by the touchstone (distinguishing truth/falsity)
Flashcard preview (6 of 20)
- 01
Etymology of philosophy: what do its two Greek roots mean?
Love (fileîn) of wisdom (sofía).
- 02
According to Bertrand Russell, what are the three defects of knowledge in ordinary life?
Too certain, vague, and contradictory.
- 03
How does philosophy differ from mysticism and religion?
Emphasis on rational arguments over those of authority.
- 04
How does philosophy differ from science (in general)?
Conducts research in a non-empirical manner (conceptual analysis, thought experiments, speculation).
- 05
What does formal logic study?
Rules of inference or formal (abstract) relations between propositions.
- 06
According to tradition, what does the term 'philosophy' mean in its original etymology?
Love of wisdom (philo-sophos).
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