Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Module 2: Doing Philosophy Welcome to Module 2! In this module, we'll explore what it truly means to "do" philosophy. Far from being an abstract academic exercise, philosophy is a dynamic process of questioning, reflecting, and engaging with the fundamental aspects of human existence.
What Does it Mean to "Do" Philosophy? Doing philosophy isn't just about reading ancient texts or memorizing theories. It's an active engagement with the world around us and within us. It involves critical thinking, rigorous questioning, and a relentless pursuit of deeper understanding. 1 Questioning Assumptions Philosophy encourages us to challenge deeply held beliefs and societal norms, rather than accepting them at face value. 2 Critical Reflection It demands a methodical and unbiased examination of ideas, arguments, and evidence to arrive at reasoned conclusions. 3 Seeking Wisdom Beyond mere knowledge, philosophy aims for profound insights into truth, ethics, beauty, and the nature of reality.
Philosophy's Impact on Your Life How does philosophy affect your decisions and actions in life? Philosophy is not confined to the classroom; it's a living discipline that profoundly influences how we navigate the world. Every choice we make, every value we uphold, and every belief we embrace is, at its core, an act of "doing philosophy." Shapes Moral Compass: Guides ethical decision-making. Enhances Problem-Solving: Fosters analytical and logical reasoning. Cultivates Self-Awareness: Encourages introspection and understanding of one's own biases. Broadens Perspective: Allows appreciation of diverse viewpoints and complex issues.
Pythagoras on Human Motivation Three Classes of People According to Pythagoras Lovers of Knowledge or Wisdom These individuals are driven by an innate desire to uncover truth and understand the fundamental nature of existence. Lovers of Gain Their primary motivation is profit and material acquisition, often prioritizing personal wealth above other pursuits. Lovers of Honor These are individuals who seek recognition, prestige, and glory as their ultimate life's achievement. Pythagoras, the ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, famously categorized people based on their primary motivations, much like spectators at the Olympic Games. This classification highlights the distinct ways humans engage with the world.
The Etymology of Philosophy The term "philosophy" itself offers a profound insight into its core meaning: It is derived from philosophia , which is a combination of the Greek terms philos meaning "love" and sophia meaning "wisdom" . Thus, philosophy literally means "love of wisdom." Pythagoras, credited as the first philosopher to coin this term, recognized that genuine inquiry stems from a deep affection for understanding, not merely from possessing knowledge. He saw himself not as a wise man (sophos), but as a lover of wisdom (philosophos)—someone perpetually seeking it.
Defining "Wisdom" While philosophy is the "love of wisdom," what exactly constitutes wisdom? It's more than just accumulated facts; it's a profound understanding and application of knowledge. According to King Solomon, wisdom is gained from God, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding" ( Proverbs 2:6 ). Solomon basically states that with the wisdom one receives from God, one will be able to find success and happiness in life. This perspective suggests wisdom isn't just intellectual prowess but a divine gift that guides one toward a flourishing life. It implies that true wisdom encompasses not only intellectual understanding but also moral insight and practical discernment.
Knowledge vs. Wisdom Often used interchangeably, knowledge and wisdom are distinct concepts. Understanding their difference is crucial to appreciating the philosophical pursuit. KNOWLEDGE "The fact or condition of being aware of something." WISDOM "Ability to discern inner qualities and relationships." Knowledge is about acquiring information and facts. Wisdom, however, is the deeper capacity to apply knowledge, understanding its implications, and discerning its value in various contexts. It's the ability to see beyond the surface, connect disparate ideas, and make sound judgments.
The Essence of Philosophizing Philosophy is not merely a subject to be studied; it is a way of life, an ongoing process of reflection and transformation. It is all about what we think, feel, and believe in—to ourselves and to the world. Doing philosophy leads us to deliberately assess our own point of view to broaden our perspective. This means questioning our inherent biases and preconceived notions. It also means abandoning our own ideas, beliefs, and attitudes to give room for the possibility of transcendence—moving beyond our current limitations to embrace new understandings and deeper truths. This process cultivates intellectual humility and a continuous openness to learning.
Key Thinkers in "Doing Philosophy" 1 Socrates One of the founders of Western philosophy, Socrates contributed the Socratic Method . Its aim is to expose contradictions in one's thought by asking question after question. Through this method, one arrives at a firm, justifiable conclusion. Example: "What led you to that judgment?" 2 The Socratic method involves a dialectical approach, where a series of probing questions are used to reveal flaws in reasoning and lead the interlocutor towards self-discovery of truth. It emphasizes critical thinking over passive reception of information.
The Legacy of Philosophers 1 Plato Plato, a student of Socrates, is well-known for his monumental work, The Republic . In this philosophical dialogue, he describes an ideal society where a philosopher-king should be a leader to achieve a "wise society." 2 Plato's vision of a philosopher-king stems from his belief that only those who have attained true knowledge and wisdom, through philosophical training, are fit to govern. He famously posited the Allegory of the Cave to illustrate the journey from ignorance to enlightenment, which is central to his political philosophy.