CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

As complex as the contemporary and globalize world has become, it seems

unlikely that most of what surrounds us is actually the result of the ancient practice of
philosophy. Everything from the structure of democratic governments to the due process
of law, from a physician's Hippocratic Oath to computer software, has its roots in
philosophy.

However, sadly to say that philosophy as a course of study is disappearing in our

nation's colleges and universities now a day, but its focus on analytical thinking and
problem solving is more vitally important today than before.

Philosophy is an academic discipline that exercises reason and logic in an attempt

to understand reality and answer fundamental questions about knowledge, life, morality
and human nature. The ancient Greeks, who were among the first to practice philosophy,
coined the term, which means "love of wisdom". Those who study philosophy are called
philosophers. Through the ages, philosophers have sought to answer such questions as,
what is the meaning and purpose of human life. How do we know what we know? Does
God exist? What does it mean to possess consciousness? And, what is the value of
morals?

I-The Meaning of Philosophy

Neophytes in the study of philosophy must have a basic inquiry concerning the
definition of the subject before immersing into complex concepts or understanding in-
depth studies. But before we define philosophy, it is important to have a clear
understanding of the term definition. The term definition is derived from the Latin word
"definite" which means to state the limits of or to enclose within limits. Meaning to say, to
define a word or term or thing is to limit the word or term or thing by unfolding its nature,
or by extracting its meaning, or by getting hold of what it includes and to what it extends.
The term philosophy was coined and introduced by Pythagoras. Based on the lingo
of the Pythagorian nomenclature, the original term of philosophy is philosophia (Greek).
The word philosophia is derived from the Greek words "Philos and Sophia" with English
equivalent as love/friend and wisdom. So, etymologically, the meaning of philosophy is
love of wisdom. Generally, this definition is already sufficient for an ordinary discussion.
However, it is inadequate if one desires a deeper understanding on the meaning of
Philosophy.
However, it sad to say that there are many people out-there who knows well and
understand the truth, but they choose not to be truthful, they assert/acclaimed that they
are lover of wisdom, but they choose not to do what is wise. What about you?
Philosophy, as love of wisdom, is an understanding of the ancient Greek thinkers.
Let us also explore other ancient civilizations in order to have a full view of what
philosophy all about. One of the oldest civilization in history is the Chinese civilization. In
relation to philosophy, the Chinese have already established their philosophical beliefs.
They have also their terminology of philosophy to them, philosophy is Zhe-Xue or Che
Shueh, and this term was coined by Dr. Nishi Amane. The Chinese understand Zhe-Xue
or philosophy as the “study of wisdom” or wisdom learning.
 This Chinese understanding of Zhe-Xue is somehow closely related to the Greek,
as love of wisdom. For the Chinese, Zhe means wisdom, and Xue means study.
Significantly, Zhe bears the emblem of mouth and hand. This picture suggests the
inseparability of words and action. Meaning to say for them Zhe-Xue is the translation of
words into action or the application of theory into praxis. (practice) (accepted practice or
custom). Hence, for the Chinese, Zhe-Xue singles out a person to live on what he says.

If the Greeks and the Chinese have their own understanding of philosophy, the
Hindus, too have something to call their own, for them, philosophy is Dar’sana
(Darshana), which means Vision or to see. Meaning to say Darsana is seeing not only
through the eyes but through the whole being of the one that sees. In other words,
philosophy for the Hindus means seeing the whole of reality through a total advertence
and involvement of the looker.

II – The origin of philosophy

Experts in the field of philosophy unanimously agree that philosophy is not a

monopoly of the West. In fact, before the Westerners started to philosophize the Hindus
and the Chinese were already established enough in their philosophical thinking. This
explains why many scholars insists that there were three great civilizations who fathered
the so called birthing of ideas; namely; Hindu; Chinese; and the Greek.

The Hindus (Indians) were asking about the problem of the depth-ego. They were
busy searching for the deepest self of man which directly has an inseparable bearing with
the Divine. Thus, their question: “Who am I?” is well premised in their belief of Atman –
the individual soul and Brahman – the Universal soul.

The Chinese, however, were interested in the question; “What am I”? This question
shows their quest on the anthropocentric or the socio-political moral dimension of the
human phenomenon. It illustrates the passion of the Chinese to be always a person who
is called to relate to others who are as human as he is.
Lastly, the Greeks readily disposed their utmost desire to ask: “where am I’? With
these directions at hand, classical philosophers would safely infer that there must be three
objects of philosophical inquiry, namely: God, Man and the World.

But, how come that many scholars and even ordinary people would prefer to trace
the birth and the primordial impetus of philosophy in Greece by the Greeks? There are
three direct answers to the question above, first, is the Greek philosopher named Thales
(Melitus: 624-546 B.C) whom in fact regarded as the first philosopher, because he
theorized that water is the first principle of the universe.
Second, was in the named of Socrates, who gave the concrete idea on how
philosophy started, to him philosophy was borne through Thauma (Gk) means
wonder/wondering.
Lastly, was through Pythagoras, the one who coined the term – philosophy.

III- the definition of philosophy

Is a science of all that exists in their ultimate cause through the aid of human reason
alone.
IV- the purpose of philosophy

The following are the reasons why you need to study philosophy;
1. Philosophy enables you to understand yourselves better;
2. Philosophy helps you understand others, your fellowmen;
3. Philosophy helps you understand others’ way of thinking;
4. Philosophy helps you understand the world and your place and role in it;
5. Philosophy helps you understand the significance, meaning, value and finality of
human life,
6. Philosophy helps you know and understand God in His nature, essence,
activities, and attributes.
Therefore, philosophy enables us to understand all things in their ultimate causes,
reasons, and principles through our reasoning faculty.

V- Nature of Philosophy
Since the ultimate foundation of Philosophy is reason, so therefore, It’s very nature is
always in Quests for an explanation.
The key interrogative words in philosophical search are WHAT, WHY, and HOW.
Man as migrant in this world he continually asks for the significance of an event, the
interpretation of symbols, or merely for the meaning of his existence as a human being
together with other creatures in the world.

VI-Branches of philosophy
Axiology is a philosophical study on the nature of values in relation to man’s moral life.
Social philosophy – it deals on the nature of man as a social being and his relationships
in the society.
Aesthetics – is a philosophical study on the nature of beauty.
Philosophy of man – is a philosophical study of man as person in consideration of his
faculties.
Philosophy of Religion – it deals with man’s relationship with God.
Metaphysics – is a branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of
reality.
Cosmology – is a philosophical study of the material world with
Regards to its order in the universe.
Theodicy is a philosophical study on God’s justice.
Anthropology – is a science that studies the nature of man with regards to the union of
body and soul and his relationship in society.
Epistemology – is a branch of philosophy that deals with human knowledge with regards
to certainty and truth.
Ethics/Moral philosophy – is a branch of philosophy that deals with the principles of
man’s right and moral actions as endowed by his reason and free will.
Logic is a science and art of correct thinking.