Philosophy of Identity

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Philosophy of Identity

• Parker
• LA/Com IV

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What is Philosophy?

• From Greek philo (love) sophia (wisdom)
• To wonder about life, for example right and
  wrong, love, war, death, freedom, truth, beauty,
  time ...
• To explore life, ask questions, resist easy
  answers, and to find the courage to ask difficult
  questions.

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The Four Key Areas of Philosophy

• Logic-support (evidence) for ideas
• Ethics-good vs. bad, morals, judgments
• Epistemology-the relationship between knowledge
  and beliefs
• Metaphysics-existence, reality, the relationship
  among mind/self/body

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Why Study Philosophy?

• Improve problem-solving skills
• Improve communication skills
• Improve persuasion skills
• Improve writing skills

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Tips

• (a.k.a. how to survive this unit)

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Do the assigned reading

• If you do not read, you will not learn. Coming to
  class without having read and merely listening to
  the discourse of those who have is no substitute
  for grappling with the material on your own. You
  can't develop intellectual independence if you
  rely on the opinions of other people.

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Consider the context

• Philosophical writing, like literature of any
  genre, arises from a concrete historical setting.
  Approaching each text, you should keep in mind
  who wrote it and when and where it was published.
  Use this website to find background information
  on the philosophers http//plato.stanford.edu/con
  tents.html.

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Take your time

• Dont rush through the reading allow plenty of
  time for a leisurely perusal of the material
  assigned each day. Individual learning styles
  certainly differ some people function best by
  reading the same text several times with
  progressively more detailed attention others
  prefer to work through the text patiently and
  diligently a single time. In either case,
  encourage yourself to slow down and engage the
  text at a personal level.

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Spot crucial passages

• Most philosophical texts vary in density from
  page to page. It isn't always obvious what
  matters most philosophers sometimes glide over
  the very points on which their entire argument
  depends. But with the practice you'll be getting,
  you'll soon be able to highlight the most
  important parts of each reading assignment.

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Identify central theses

• Each philosophical text is intended to convince
  us of the truth of particular propositions.
  Although these central theses are sometimes
  stated clearly and explicitly, authors often
  choose to present them more subtly in the context
  of the line of reasoning which they are
  established. What is the main point the writer is
  making?

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Locate supportive arguments

• Philosophers do not merely state opinions but
  also try to establish their truth. The methods
  employed to support philosophical theses can
  differ widely, but most of them are expressed
  with logical argumentation. That is, the
  philosopher will offer premises that are clearly
  true and then claim that a sound inference from
  these premises leads to the desired conclusion.

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Developing Interpretive Questions

• Consider these questions when forming your own
  questions
• What seems important?
• What dont you understand?
• What do you agree or disagree with?
• What does the author seem to emphasize?

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Don't worry!

• With the seminars you will have the of
  opportunity to learn what other readers have
  found, to ask questions for clarification of
  puzzling passages, and to share your own insights
  with others. As the unit proceeds, you will grow
  ever more confident in your own ability to
  interpret philosophical texts.