PHIL 201 Lesson 2
Study Guide: Lesson 1
Prelude to Philosophy: What is Philosophy?
List 4 reasons students often presuppose a low view of philosophy.
1. The image that one has to be super intelligent to do philosophy. 2. As a discipline, most students study it late in their academic development.
3. Most people don't think it's practical.
4. Most students don't know what philosophy is or how it can benefit them.
Know Socrates' quote: What is the unexamined life? What did he mean when he said it wasn't worth living?
The quote: "The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates didn't mean that people have no value, or should be executed if they lived unexamined lives. Humans are unique in the animal kingdom; we have the ability to reason and reflect about everything. What he meant was: To live the unexamined life is to live less than a fully human life; not living life the way we were created to live.
Know the etymology of the word "philosophy."
The combination of two Greek terms: phileo and sopos. Phileo means "love", sophos means "wisdom".
Know the working definition of "philosophy" and explain each of its elements.
Philosophy is the critical examination of our foundational beliefs concerning the nature of reality, knowledge, and truth, and our moral and social values.
List and explain each of the 6 characteristics under the description of philosophy.
1. The relationship between philosophy and facts: philosophers are generally more interested in what lies behind the facts, their meaning, significance and veracity, than in the facts themselves. 2. The importance of method in philosophical investigation: why someone believes something more so than what they believe.
3. clarification: clear thinking is imperative in finding truth. Two enemies to clear thinking is ambiguity and vagueness.
4. Philosophy examines and evaluates everything; nothing is taken for granted: Every belief and idea is open to critical examination. Clarification and justification are required before
Prelude to Philosophy: What is Philosophy?
List 4 reasons students often presuppose a low view of philosophy.
1. The image that one has to be super intelligent to do philosophy. 2. As a discipline, most students study it late in their academic development.
3. Most people don't think it's practical.
4. Most students don't know what philosophy is or how it can benefit them.
Know Socrates' quote: What is the unexamined life? What did he mean when he said it wasn't worth living?
The quote: "The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates didn't mean that people have no value, or should be executed if they lived unexamined lives. Humans are unique in the animal kingdom; we have the ability to reason and reflect about everything. What he meant was: To live the unexamined life is to live less than a fully human life; not living life the way we were created to live.
Know the etymology of the word "philosophy."
The combination of two Greek terms: phileo and sopos. Phileo means "love", sophos means "wisdom".
Know the working definition of "philosophy" and explain each of its elements.
Philosophy is the critical examination of our foundational beliefs concerning the nature of reality, knowledge, and truth, and our moral and social values.
List and explain each of the 6 characteristics under the description of philosophy.
1. The relationship between philosophy and facts: philosophers are generally more interested in what lies behind the facts, their meaning, significance and veracity, than in the facts themselves. 2. The importance of method in philosophical investigation: why someone believes something more so than what they believe.
3. clarification: clear thinking is imperative in finding truth. Two enemies to clear thinking is ambiguity and vagueness.
4. Philosophy examines and evaluates everything; nothing is taken for granted: Every belief and idea is open to critical examination. Clarification and justification are required before