Kennedy Rodriguez
PHI 103 – Dr. Holland
Week 1 Participation Activity
Tuesday / Thursday Classes – Spring 2022
Watch the video at the YouTube link provided in the announcement. As you watch the video, take notes
in response to each of the items, below.
Topic 1, Part 1 – What is Philosophy?
1. Write a few example “philosophical” / worldview questions.
Is there any meaning or purpose to life?
Does God exist?
What does it mean to be a human person?
2. Philosophers address both general_ and fundamental questions. Write a short / basic description of
what these words mean.
3. The word “philosophy” comes from a combination of two Greek words. What do those words mean?
Love and Wisdom, philosophy is loving wisdom.
4. Philosophy might have a reputation of being vague or hard to understand; but philosophy actually __
seeks clarity__.
5. Philosophy is living the __examined_____ life.
6. What does it mean to say that there are no “no trespassing” signs for philosophers? It means these
beliefs are extremely important and to protect ourselves and our beliefs we don’t question what we think,
some things are off limits.
7. When thinking of philosophy as a “way of life,” why might it be dangerous? Why might it be
comforting? It might be dangerous because it doesn’t work with the “no trespassing” signs, you have to
be able to subject your beliefs to rigorous examination. If you are willing to do that, you can gain
confidence in your beliefs.
8. The ideas addressed in a philosophy class like this apply to whom? Why? They apply to everyone
because they can help with a lot. They can help relieve us of the anxiety we feel when we are confronted
with the challenges of life and can help us understand ourselves and the world around us.
9. What are the main philosophical topics that are addressed in this class, throughout the semester? Logic
and Arguments
Epistemology
Philosophy of Religion
Metaphysics—mind
Metaphysics—free will
Moral Philosophy (ethics)
The meaning of life
10. What is philosophy? Based on all that you have learned so far, write a good definition.
PHI 103 – Dr. Holland
Week 1 Participation Activity
Tuesday / Thursday Classes – Spring 2022
Watch the video at the YouTube link provided in the announcement. As you watch the video, take notes
in response to each of the items, below.
Topic 1, Part 1 – What is Philosophy?
1. Write a few example “philosophical” / worldview questions.
Is there any meaning or purpose to life?
Does God exist?
What does it mean to be a human person?
2. Philosophers address both general_ and fundamental questions. Write a short / basic description of
what these words mean.
3. The word “philosophy” comes from a combination of two Greek words. What do those words mean?
Love and Wisdom, philosophy is loving wisdom.
4. Philosophy might have a reputation of being vague or hard to understand; but philosophy actually __
seeks clarity__.
5. Philosophy is living the __examined_____ life.
6. What does it mean to say that there are no “no trespassing” signs for philosophers? It means these
beliefs are extremely important and to protect ourselves and our beliefs we don’t question what we think,
some things are off limits.
7. When thinking of philosophy as a “way of life,” why might it be dangerous? Why might it be
comforting? It might be dangerous because it doesn’t work with the “no trespassing” signs, you have to
be able to subject your beliefs to rigorous examination. If you are willing to do that, you can gain
confidence in your beliefs.
8. The ideas addressed in a philosophy class like this apply to whom? Why? They apply to everyone
because they can help with a lot. They can help relieve us of the anxiety we feel when we are confronted
with the challenges of life and can help us understand ourselves and the world around us.
9. What are the main philosophical topics that are addressed in this class, throughout the semester? Logic
and Arguments
Epistemology
Philosophy of Religion
Metaphysics—mind
Metaphysics—free will
Moral Philosophy (ethics)
The meaning of life
10. What is philosophy? Based on all that you have learned so far, write a good definition.
