Philosophy is defined as the love of wisdom and the study of fundamental principles and causes. It uses reason rather than empirical means to understand topics like existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. The main branches of philosophy are metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, and aesthetics. Philosophy is important because it asks important questions, teaches critical thinking, can be applied to any discipline, and has influenced history by fueling changes and progress.
2. What is Philosophy?
◦ Etymologically, the word “Philosophy” comes from two Greek words,
philo
meaning “to love”, and sophia meaning “wisdom”.
◦ Philosophy originally meant,
“love of wisdom” and in a broad sense, wisdom is still the goal of
philosophy.
Philosophy is also defined as the science that by natural light of reason
studies the first causes or the highest principles of all things.
3. 4 things being considered:
◦ Science – it uses scientific approach because the investigation is systematic.
It follows certain steps or it employs certain procedures. In other words, it is
an organized body of knowledge just like any other
sciences.
◦ Natural Light of Reason – philosophy investigates things, neither by
using any laboratory instruments or investigative tools, nor on the basis of
supernatural revelation. Instead, the philosopher uses his natural capacity
to think or simply, human reason alone or the so-called unaided reason.
4. ◦ Study of All Things – this sets the distinction between philosophy and
other sciences. All other sciences concern themselves with a particular
object of investigation. The reason is that philosophy is not onedimensional or
partial. Rather, philosophy is multidimensional or holistic.
◦ First Cause or the Highest Principle – an idea which means something is the
main and first cause why an event or situation took place. It is principle
because everything in the world and every situation has a
starting point or a beginning
5. Branches of Philosophy
◦ Metaphysics is the foundation of philosophy. Without an explanation or an interpretation of the
world around us, we would be helpless to deal with reality. (importanceofphilosophy.com) It is a
branch of philosophy that explores the nature of being, existence, and reality. It is the study of
all of reality, visible and invisible, along with what constitutes natural and supernatural.
◦ Epistemology is the study of knowledge acquisition. It involves an awareness of certain aspects
of reality, and it seeks to discover what is known and how it is known. Considered as a branch of
of philosophy, epistemology addresses cognitive sciences, cultural studies and the history of
science. Moreover, epistemology explains why our minds relate to reality and how these
relationships are either valid or invalid. It is needed in order to distinguish between the truth
and falsehood as we obtain knowledge from the world around us. (study.com)
◦
6. ◦ Ethics is the branch of study dealing with what is the proper course of action for man. It
answers the question, "What do I do?" It is the study of
right and wrong in human endeavors. At a more fundamental level, it is the method by
which we categorize our values and pursue them.
(importanceofphilosophy.com)
◦ Logic can include the act of reasoning by humans in order to form thoughts and opinions,
as well as classifications and judgments. It can be
defined as the study of truths based completely on the meanings of the terms they
contain. (examples.yourdictionary.com)
◦ Aesthetics is the philosophical branch of inquiry concerned with beauty, art and
perception. In a more general sense, aesthetics as a philosophy, refers to the study of
sensory values. This means the judgement or evaluation by the senses and through time
has come to refer to critical or philosophical thought about art, culture and/or nature.
(paulford.com)
7. 10 Reasons why Philosophy is important
1. Philosophy asks the important questions
No other discipline is as obsessed with big questions as philosophy. Whether it’s justifying human rights, pondering the meaning of existence, or
figuring out the best form of government, philosophy has always steered humanity’s curiosity. Since ancient days, philosophers have dedicated
themselves to exploring the thought process while analyzing their thinking every step of the way. No question is too big or too small for philosophy.
2. Philosophy helps with critical thinking and reason
Besides asking the big questions, philosophy is all about the thought process. Critical thinking and reasoning are a huge part of what defines
philosophy. For years, philosophers debated how to assess and categorize different styles of thinking, how to identify sound reasoning, and so on. The
debate is always going on. When you adopt a philosophical mindset and learn to analyze statements and ideas with a critical eye, you become a better
thinker. You’re able to tell when an idea is worth your time or if it’s relying on something that’s inherently weak and unsound. This is an essential skill that
that can be applied
everywhere in your life.
8. 10 Reasons why Philosophy is important
3. Philosophy helps guide the research process
When you’re faced with a research project of some kind, the amount of data can be overwhelming. Philosophy and its emphasis on
analytical thinking and sound arguments help you sort through everything. You’ll be able to tell when an idea or argument isn’t going
anywhere, so you can focus your attention elsewhere. Philosophy also helps you develop your own position using clear, sound
reasoning based on the research you’ve done.
4. Philosophy teaches persuasiveness
Besides critical thinking and reasoning, philosophy teaches people the importance of being persuasive. You can have the best
argument in the world with lots of evidence, but if you can’t get anyone else to see that, what’s the point? Beginning in ancient days,
rhetoric – the art of persuasion – was employed by everyone from politicians to lawyers to poets. When you study philosophy and
rhetoric, you’ll learn how to develop and present your arguments in a way that appeals to your audience. This is an extremely valuable
skill no matter what your goals are
9. 10 Reasons why Philosophy is important
5. Philosophy teaches problem-solving
Problems are a part of life. No matter what type of problem you’re facing, philosophy can help. That’s because philosophy
teaches techniques like observation, intuition, and logic. Using critical thinking and effective research, you can break problems
problems down to their essence and test solutions. Philosophy was developed as a way to solve problems in the form of big
questions. It makes sense that it would be useful for any problem.
6. Philosophy can be applied to every discipline
No matter what subject you’re dealing with, there’s a philosophical aspect that enhances the learning experience. In a sense,
philosophy forces you to ask questions like “What?” and “Why?” Whether you’re studying literature or science, the
philosophical piece makes you ask: What is the essence of the topic at hand
and why does it matter? Philosophy is all about critical thinking and reasoning, which are important skills in any discipline.
They make the learning process more organized and rewarding.
10. 10 Reasons why Philosophy is important
7. Philosophy forms a good foundation for a variety of careers
Philosophy isn’t just useful in a classroom or learning setting. It’s an important tool for many career fields, including the business world.
To succeed in business, a person must work through often-complex issues, write persuasive arguments for a position, and research
quickly and effectively. Critical thinking and reasoning are essential. This is even more true for legal professions. A career in anything
related to science also requires mastery of philosophical concepts and analytical thinking. Any career benefits from a bit of philosophy; it
it isn’t a subject that’s limited to academia.
8. Philosophy helps you sort through your own beliefs
Most people go through life without questioning what they believe. Philosophy asks us to take a closer look at our lives and worldviews.
You might realize that what you’ve always believed about yourself, the world, and so on don’t make sense anymore. On the other side,
you might become more confident in what you believe. Even if you don’t ever defend them to another person, the process of
questioning and collecting evidence for your beliefs can change your life.
11. 10 Reasons why Philosophy is important
9. Philosophy influences the world today
While you may not be aware of it, philosophy has a huge impact on how the world works. We have democracy
because of philosophers. Many of the issues people wrestle with daily – such as how to be a good person – are
philosophical. If you ever wonder why the world is the way it is and you look back at history, you’ll find most things
have a root in philosophy.
10. Philosophy can fuel change and progress
Most of history’s biggest changes, whether they’re cultural or political, began as intellectual debates. This is because
philosophy is all about caring about everything, including the questions and the thinking process. Philosophy
encourages the world to take a deeper look at why things are the way they are
and if they could be better. That’s how progress is made.
