AN INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?
THE SIGNIFICANT OF PHILOSOPHY
DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY
DIFFERENT ERA OF PHILOSOPHY

1. INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

2. Context Part I What is philosophy? When did philosophy start? Essentiality of philosophy in human life Part ii Branches of philosophy Part iii Eras of philosophy famous philosophers

3. Definition: Philosophy, derived from the ancient greek words “ φίλος ” ( philos ) meaning “love” and “ σοφί α” (sophia) meaning “wisdom,” is the systematic study of fundamental questions about existence, reason, knowledge, value, mind, and language.

4. Purpose: Philosophers seek to understand the nature of reality, human existence, and our relationships with the world and each other. It’s a rational and critical inquiry that reflects on its own methods and assumptions. Methods: Philosophical methods include questioning, critical discussion, rational argument, and systematic presentation.

5. When Did Philosophy Start? Western philosophy Traditionally begins with the pre-socratic thinkers in ancient G reece around the 6th century BCE. Key Figures Pre- socratics like thales and heraclitus in the west . Ancient Beginnings : EASTERN PHILOSOPHY has roots in ancient traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, dating back to around the same period . Key Figures Figures like Confucius and Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) in the East.

6. Essentiality of Philosophy in Human Life: Comprehensive view : philosophy provides a comprehensive view of life, serving as a base and frame of reference for all our actions—mental, physical, psychological, or existential. Uncovers truths: it helps us uncover fundamental truths about ourselves, the world, and our place in it. By questioning assumptions, philosophy encourages critical thinking and self-awareness. Guidance: philosophy guides our moral choices, ethical behavior, and decision-making. It prompts us to reflect on what is right and wrong in human conduct.

7. Different Branches of Philosophy

8. Metaphysics: Definition : It examines the fundamental nature of reality. The study of the nature of reality, including concepts like existence, being, causality, time, and space. Key question: what is the nature of existence?

9. Ethics: Definition : It concerns with human values, morality, and how individuals should act. The study of moral principles and how they apply to conduct. Key question: what is right and wrong behavior? Example: is honesty always the best policy?

10. Logic: Definition: It is the study of valid reasoning and argumentation. the study of the principles of correct reasoning. Key question: how can we distinguish good arguments from bad ones?

11. Aesthetics: Focus: explores beauty, taste, and artistic expression. Definition : the study of beauty, art, and taste, and the creation and appreciation of beauty. Key question: what makes something beautiful? Example: appreciating a well-composed piece of music or a captivating painting

12. Eras of Philosophy and Famous Philosophers Ancient Philosophy (600 BCE–600 CE) : Ancient Greece: Philosophy originated around the 6th century BCE in Ancient Greece. Early Greek thinkers, such as Thales and Heraclitus, explored fundamental questions about the universe and human existence through observation and reason34 .

13. Medieval Philosophy (600 CE–1600 CE) : Medieval Period: Between 400 and 500 CE, medieval philosophy focused more on theology and religious thought.

14. Modern Philosophy (1600 CE–1900 CE) : Modern Period: From the 17th to the 19th century, modern philosophy flourished in Europe and North America. It challenged traditional authorities and explored new ideas .

15. Contemporary Philosophy (21st Century) Focus : Continued debates in epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, and the influence of technology on human life .

16. Ancient Greece : Socrates : Known for his method of questioning to seek truth and self-knowledge. Plato : Focused on ideal forms and the philosopher-king concept. Aristotle : Emphasized empirical observation and categorized different branches of knowledge . Medieval Period : Augustine of Hippo : Integrated Christian theology with Platonic philosophy. Thomas Aquinas : Synthesized Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine. Anselm of Canterbury : Known for his ontological argument for the existence of God .

17. Modern Period : René Descartes : “I think, therefore I am” - emphasized doubt as a way to find fundamental truths. Immanuel Kant : Explored the limits of human knowledge and ethics. John Locke : Advocated for natural rights and the social contract theory . Contemporary Philosophy (21st Century) : Noam Chomsky : Critiqued media and political power structures; contributed to linguistics. Martha Nussbaum : Worked on capabilities approach in ethics and human development. Jürgen Habermas : Developed theories on communicative action and public sphere .