Philosophy 122
Topic 1: Introduction
What is philosophy?
The human attempt to systematically study the most fundamental structures of our entire
experience in order to arrive at beliefs that are as conceptually clear, experientially
confirmed and rationally coherent as possible.
NOT simply a general outlook on life, but a comprehensive worldview
Not about what you believe, but about the reasonable, logical search of truth –
REASONS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN OPINIONS
Epistemology—theory of knowledge (what can we know and how do we know that it’s
true?)
Metaphysics—theory of reality (What is real? What do mind and consciousness entail?
Do we have free will?)
Ethics—what makes something right or wrong? Who decides? Are there objective moral
principles?)
Logic—the study of the principles of reason
Social and political philosophy—what does the ideal state look like? What is the purpose
of government? When is a government legitimate? When is civil disobedience justified?
Philosophy of religion—is there a God? Can we prove the existence of God? What is the
relationship between faith and reason? Is there life after death?
Why Ancient Greek and Medieval Philosophy?
1
Topic 1: Introduction
What is philosophy?
The human attempt to systematically study the most fundamental structures of our entire
experience in order to arrive at beliefs that are as conceptually clear, experientially
confirmed and rationally coherent as possible.
NOT simply a general outlook on life, but a comprehensive worldview
Not about what you believe, but about the reasonable, logical search of truth –
REASONS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN OPINIONS
Epistemology—theory of knowledge (what can we know and how do we know that it’s
true?)
Metaphysics—theory of reality (What is real? What do mind and consciousness entail?
Do we have free will?)
Ethics—what makes something right or wrong? Who decides? Are there objective moral
principles?)
Logic—the study of the principles of reason
Social and political philosophy—what does the ideal state look like? What is the purpose
of government? When is a government legitimate? When is civil disobedience justified?
Philosophy of religion—is there a God? Can we prove the existence of God? What is the
relationship between faith and reason? Is there life after death?
Why Ancient Greek and Medieval Philosophy?
1
