philosophy notes

1. introduction

Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, reason, and reality. The word "philosophy" comes from Greek, meaning "love of wisdom."

Branches of Philosophy:

1. Metaphysics – Study of reality, existence, and the nature of being.

2. Epistemology – Study of knowledge, belief, and justification.

3. Ethics – Study of morality and principles of right and wrong.

4. Logic – Study of reasoning and argument structure.

5. Aesthetics – Study of beauty, art, and taste.

6. Political Philosophy – Study of government, justice, rights, and laws.

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Major Philosophical Thinkers

Socrates (469–399 BCE) – Advocated self-examination and the Socratic method.

Plato (427–347 BCE) – Wrote The Republic; believed in the theory of Forms.

Aristotle (384–322 BCE) – Developed logic, ethics, and metaphysics.

René Descartes (1596–1650) – "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am).

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) – Introduced deontology and the categorical imperative.

Karl Marx (1818–1883) – Developed Marxism and critiqued capitalism.

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Key Philosophical Theories

1. Rationalism – Knowledge comes from reason (Descartes, Plato).

2. Empiricism – Knowledge comes from experience (Locke, Hume).

3. Existentialism – Focuses on individual existence, freedom, and choice (Sartre, Nietzsche).

4. Utilitarianism – Morality is based on the greatest happiness for the greatest number (Bentham, Mill).

5. Deontology – Ethics based on duty and moral laws (Kant).

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Importance of Philosophy

Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving.

Helps in understanding ethics and making moral decisions.

Influences science, politics, and law.

Encourages open-mindedness and rational debate.