Misconceptions of Philosophy

1
Misconceptions of Philosophy

• Philosophy deals only with abstractions it is
  not concrete or practical
• Philosophy is just a game arguing about words
• Philosophy is only an expression of personal
  opinions

2
Philosophy the Pursuit of Wisdom

• Born of wonder
• Why are we here? Who are we really? Does God
  exist? Why is there evil? Why should we care
  about others?
• Aim to clarify ideas and evaluate the reasons
  given to justify beliefs
• What do you mean? How do you know?
• Purpose to achieve autonomy, freedom to decide
  what to believe

3
The Philosophic Drive for Autonomy Platos Myth
of the Cave

• The activity of philosophy is difficult because
  it requires that we question our most basic
  beliefs in seeking to understand why things are
  the way they are

4
How Philosophy Differs From Science, Law, and
Religion

• Philosophy challenges believers to explain and
  defend claims of religious truth
• Philosophy questions the assumptions and
  procedures of science
• Philosophy does not merely accept social beliefs
  or laws it asks how they are justified

5
Areas of Philosophy

• Epistemology (the study of knowledge)
• How is knowledge different from belief or
  opinion? Is there only one truth, or can
  different views be equally true?
• Ontology/Metaphysics (the study of the nature
  of reality)
• What is the difference between appearance and
  reality? Is there a God? To what extent are human
  beings really free?

6
Areas of Philosophy

• Axiology (the study of values)
• Ethics Is there a real difference between moral
  right and wrong?
• Social Political Philosophy Why do we have
  social and political obligations?
• Aesthetics What is art? What is beauty?