Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Lesson 1.pptx

Lesson 1

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

2. LESSON ONE: DOING PHILOSOPHY 2 1

3. What is philosophy? 3

4. What is philosophy? The word philosophy came from two Greek words: philos ( love ) s ophia ( wisdom ) Philosophy = “ love of wisdom” 4

5. What is philosophy? People who engage in philosophy are called philosophers or “ lovers of wisdom”. 5

6. What is philosophy? Among the ancient Greeks, the philosophers became the pioneers in various fields of knowledge such as history, biology, medicine, astronomy, and even physics. 6

7. What does it mean to be a lover of wisdom? What characteristics should a philosopher posses? 7

8. Q uestions regarding human existence What is real? Are we able to perceive and understand reality and everything in it? How do we know what we know? Are the things that we know true? 8

9. Q uestions regarding human existence What is the ultimate cause of all things? What is our purpose in this world? To what extent are our choices and actions considered “free”? 9

10. What are some philosophical questions have you asked yourself? What lead you to ponder those questions? 10

11. Do you think that you will be able to figure out the answers to these philosophical questions? Explain. 11

12. T he most notable ancient Greek philosophers 12

13. 13 Pythagoras (570 BCE to 459 BCE) A mathematician and scientist. Credited with formulating the Pythagorean Theorem. His work earned him many followers, and he established a community of learners who were devoted to the study of religion and philosophy.

14. 14 Heraclitus (535 BCE to 475 BCE) Proposed that everything that exists is based on a higher order or plan which he called “ logos”. For him, change is a permanent aspect of the human condition.

15. 15 Democritus (460 BCE to 370 BCE) Devoted himself to the study of the causes of natural phenomena. Among the first to propose that matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms.

16. 16 Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE to 323 BCE) A known advocate of living a simple and virtuous life. For him, one should not talk of virtue, but should show it in words and actions.

17. 17 Epicurus (341 BCE to 270 BCE) Believed that philosophy could enable a man to live a life of happiness.

18. 18 Socrates (470 BCE to 399 BCE) Considered the foremost philosopher of ancient times. He was credited with formulating the Socratic method.

19. 19 Plato (427 BCE to 347 BCE) A student of Socrates; Known for his dialectic – a method of inquiry where two opposing ideas as discussed in an attempt to arrive at new knowledge.

20. 20 Aristotle (384 BCE to 322 BCE) A prominent student to Plato; His studies in logic led to the formulation of a formal process of analyzing reasoning which gave rise to deductive reasoning .

21. Why is there a need to philosophize? 21

22. S ense of Wonder (PLATO) Whenever we are confronted with an experience, we always wonder how it came about. “Where did we come from?” “Why do we exist?” “For what purpose are we created?” 22

23. Doubt (RENE DESCATRES) Descartes was famous for rejecting or questioning established ideas, and he even went as far as doubting his own ideas. A critical and questioning perspective is necessary to determine if indeed these ideas or views are correct or true. 23

24. Experience (KARL JASPERS) A man is often confronted by experiences which challenges his ideas and frameworks. These challenges are called limit situations , which are often accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, or dread. 24

25. Love of Wisdom (SOCRATES) To love wisdom is to have an insatiable desire for truth. A philosopher seeks to continue to question, to probe, and to discuss in order to get to the bottom of things. “An unexamined life is not worth living.” 25

26. What are some situations that compel a person to engage in philosophical thinking? How can a person benefit from philosophizing? 26

27. What are the branches of P hilosophy? 27

28. Branches of Philosophy Aesthetics Logic Epistemology Ethics Political philosophy Metaphysics Philosophy of the human person 28

29. Aesthetic The philosophy which deals with beauty and what makes things “beautiful”. 29

30. L ogic The branch of philosophy which deals with correct reasoning. 30

31. Epistemology Discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing. 31

32. Philosophy of the Human Person The area in philosophy which understands the human person from a philosophical perspective – integrating and synthesizing the different branches of philosophy and other fields of study to know the truth about the human person. 32

33. Review What is philosophy? Why is there a need to philosophize? What are the branches of philosophy? What is “Philosophy of the Human Person”? 33

34. Is it possible for any person to engage in philosophical discussion? Why? 34

35. THANKS! Any questions ?

36. Activity 1 Make a list of 5 “Why?” Questions. Example: “Why do we cry when we are sad, and smile when we are happy?” 36