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.