What is philosophy?

What is philosophy?

1. Definition & Scope

   • Philosophy as Rational Inquiry
     • Encompasses all rational inquiry except for science.
   • Philosophy vs. Science
     • Explores questions science can't answer, like the limits of human knowledge.
   • Value of philosophy
     • Liberation through Inquiry: Frees the mind from unexamined beliefs and opens up new possibilities.
       • Russell’s View: Philosophy challenges dogmatic thinking, embracing uncertainty to expand knowledge.
         • Practical Impact: Even without definitive answers, philosophy helps refine our understanding and approach to complex issues.

2. Main Branches of Philosophy

   • Metaphysics
     • Nature of Reality: Explores existence (e.g., God, free will).
       • Key Questions: What is a thing? How do space and time relate? Do non-physical entities exist?
   • Ethics
     • Moral Inquiry: What should we do? How should we live?
       • Rational vs. Command-Based Morality: Challenges in discovering moral truths beyond divine or societal commands.
   • Epistemology
     • Nature of Knowledge: What is knowledge? Can we know anything for certain?
       • Skepticism: Doubts about what we can know, especially in morality vs. science.
       • Justified Belief: What makes a belief rational?
   • Interdisciplinary Connections
     • Philosophy of Science: Links metaphysical and epistemological questions to scientific inquiry.
   • Interdisciplinary Connections
     • Philosophy of Love: Examines love from both metaphysical and ethical perspectives.

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