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A. Introduction: Discovering Philosophical Reflection
At some point of our lives, we may have asked difficult questions though perhaps you have never
discussed it with anyone, right? The 5th question is a good example. Thinking about it is to engage in a
philosophical reflection because it requires you to look at a particular experience in a wider perspective
and it is not an easy question but, a difficult one.
B. Meaning of Philosophy
1. Philosophy – Etymologically, the word “philosophy” comes from two Greek words, Philo meaning
“to love” and Sophia meaning “wisdom.” Thus, Philosophy means “The love of wisdom.” Wisdom is
the goal of Philosophy.
Other meaning: It is also a science that by natural light of reason studies the first causes or
highest principles of all things.
Under this definition, there are four things to be considered:
a. Science – It is a science, because Philosophy also involves investigation and investigation is
systematic that follow certain steps or it employs certain procedures. Thus, Philosophy is an
organized body of knowledge just like any other sciences.
b. Natural Light of Reason – Philosophy investigate things and not by using any laboratory
instruments or investigative tool, neither on the basis of supernatural revelation, otherwise it
becomes theology. So instead, the philosopher uses his natural capacity to think simply, human
reason alone – unaided reason.
c. Study of All Things – This sets the distinction of philosophy among other sciences. e.g.
Sociologists study society. Whereas, philosophy studies human beings, society, religion,
language, God, plants and among other concerns.
Philosophy is not one dimensional or partial. A philosopher does not limit
himself to a particular object of inquiry. He questions almost everything – he is multidimensional
or holistic.
d. First Cause or Highest Principle – A supposed ultimate cause of all events, which does not
itself have a cause.
The following principles are:
1. Principle of Identity – Whatever is is; whatever is not, not; everything is what it is.
2. Principle of Non-Contradiction – It is impossible for a thing to be and not be at the same
time, and at same respect.
3. Principle of Excluded Middle – a thing is either is or not; everything must be either or not
be; between being and not being, there is no middle ground possible.
4. Principle of Sufficient Reason – nothing exists without sufficient reason for its being and
existence.
Finally, in attaining wisdom, there is a need for emptying. Emptying can be intellectual. For
instance, a Taoist considers an empty cup, is more useful than a full one. This means simplicity and
humility. Emptying is also, spiritual. For Christians, poverty in spirit means compassion.
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Philosophy can be divided into five branches which address the following questions:
Metaphysics
Epistemology
Ethics
Politics
Aesthetics
Logic
Branches of Philosophy
1. Metaphysics
Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy responsible for the study of existence. It is the
foundation of a worldview. It answers the question "What is?" It encompasses everything that
exists, as well as the nature of existence itself. It says whether the world is real, or merely an
illusion. It is a fundamental view of the world around us.
2. Epistemology
Epistemology is the study of our method of acquiring knowledge. It answers the question, "How
do we know?" It encompasses the nature of concepts, the constructing of concepts, the validity of
the senses, logical reasoning, as well as thoughts, ideas, memories, emotions, and all
things mental. It is concerned with how our minds are related to reality, and whether these
relationships are valid or invalid.
a. Logic
Logic is the art of conforming one's thoughts to the Law of Identity. In one respect,
thoughts have to conform to the Law of Identity, as does everything else. This has to do
with the nature of thoughts. Ideas have a different nature than memories, which are
different from emotions. In this respect, all thoughts conform to the Law of Identity.
Logic is used in integrating ideas as well. Again, it is the process of conforming to
the Law of Identity. What this means in practice is combining information clearly, and
without contradiction. It must be combined into a specific, identifiable package, that
doesn't contradict itself.
3. Ethics
Ethics is the branch of study dealing with what is the proper course of action for man. It answers
the question, "What do I do?" It is the study of right and wrong in human endeavors. At a more
fundamental level, it is the method by which we categorize our values and pursue them. Do we
pursue our own happiness, or do we sacrifice ourselves to a greater cause? Is that foundation of
ethics based on the Bible, or on the very nature of man himself, or neither?
4. Politics
Politics is ethics applied to a group of people. (1) the science of civil government and (2) political
affairs in a party sense. (3) Also called an art, the art of governing people. (4) The control over the
mind of another by reason of love or revenge or respect, a person has towards another.
5. Esthetics
Esthetics is the study of art. It includes what art consists of, as well as the purpose behind it.
Does art consist of music, literature, and painting? Or does it include a good engineering solution,
or a beautiful sunset? These are the questions that aimed at in esthetics. It also studies methods of
evaluating art, and allows judgments of the art. Is art in the eye of the beholder? Does anything that
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appeals to you fit under the umbrella of art? Or does it have a specific nature? Does it accomplish a
goal?
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