HZT 4U PHILISOPHY

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HZT 4U PHILISOPHY

• CRITICAL THINKING
• WHY STUDY PHILOSOPHY

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CRITICAL THINKING

• After reading/watching the Allegory of the Cave
  many believe that the prisoners climb from
  darkness to the light symbolizes the search for
  knowledge.
• Plato suggest that we can enjoy freedom that
• comes with arriving at our own views through
• critical reflection and thinking.

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SOCARTIC METHOD
One highly effective technique that encourages
people to challenge common-sense beliefs and
develop clear definitions is the Socratic
Method. This is a question and answer process
named after Socrates, who used it to zero in on
knowledge by challenging common held assumptions.
It works like this
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Step 1) Socrates asks a question that seems
straight forward e.g., what is love, or courage?
Step 2) the person offers a common sense
definition. Step 3) Socrates offers a counter
example that does not fit the definition
illustrating that it is incomplete or bias. Step
4) The process continues until a suitable
definition is constructed or until they agree
that it is more complex than originally
thought. This method is an effective way of
responding to those who claim to be right without
being able to explain why.
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Why Study Philosophy?
In mid-30th century American psychologist Abraham
Maslow proposed a pyramid-like classification of
human needs that can be summarized into two
categories maintenance and self actualization.
Maintenance needs form the base of the pyramid
and include needs required to maintain life. At
the top are self actualization needs which refers
to finding fulfillment and reaching ones
potential. The highest need is to help others
find fulfillment.
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Think about the highest need in the allegory of
the cave. After seeing the light of true
knowledge the prisoner returns to share his
wisdom with others. Plato is telling the
reader that the philosopher like the prisoner has
an obligation to help others by sharing
knowledge.