INTRODUCTORY NOTES ON PHILOSOPHY

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INTRODUCTORY NOTES ON PHILOSOPHY
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Preliminary Questions

• What is philosophy?
• What are some examples of philosophical
  questions?
• What are the main divisions of philosophy?
• Is everyone capable of doing philosophy?

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What is Philosophy?
This compound word originates from two Greek
words (1) philia (friendly love)
(2) sophia
(wisdom)
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Some Important Philosophical Questions

• Why is there something rather than nothing?
• Does God exist?
• What is the meaning of life?
• Who am I?
• Do I have an immortal soul?
• Am I free?
• Could a machine think?
• What is a just society?
• Do I have moral obligations to other species?

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The Four Main Divisions of Philosophy

• Metaphysics the study of reality
• Epistemology the study of knowledge
• Axiology the study of value
• Logic the study of correct reasoning

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Is Everyone Capable of Doing Philosophy?
According to the ancient Greek philosopher
Aristotle, at least, there are two conditions
that are necessary for the practice of
philosophy (1) a sense of wonder (2) leisure
time