NAME: XXXXXXXXXXX
STUDENT NUMBER: XXXXXXXXXX
SUBJECT:
MODULE CODE: PLS1501
UNIVERSITY: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
ASSIGNMENT NO: 01
UNIQUE NO: 706782
DUE DATE: 17 MARCH 2023
Assessment 1
a)
Western philosophy is a rich and diverse intellectual tradition that has its roots in
ancient Greece and has since evolved and expanded over centuries of scholarship
and inquiry. At its core, Western philosophy is a discipline that is concerned with
exploring the fundamental questions of human existence, such as the nature of
reality, the meaning of life, the role of human beings in the world, and the ethical and
moral principles that should guide our actions.
Western philosophy has been shaped by a diverse array of thinkers, each of whom
has made unique contributions to the discipline. From the ancient Greeks such as
Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates to modern philosophers like Descartes, Kant, and
Nietzsche, Western philosophy has been characterized by a commitment to rigorous
inquiry, logical reasoning, and the pursuit of truth.
, One of the key features of Western philosophy is its emphasis on rationality and
critical thinking. Unlike other cultural traditions that have relied on myth, religion, or
tradition to explain the world, Western philosophy has always been grounded in a
commitment to rational inquiry and empirical evidence. From the scientific revolution
of the seventeenth century to the existentialist and postmodern movements of the
twentieth century, Western philosophy has continued to evolve and adapt to the
changing needs of human society.
Western philosophy has also played a significant role in shaping the cultural and
political landscape of the Western world. From the Enlightenment to the modern era,
Western philosophy has contributed to the development of democratic ideals,
individual rights, and the pursuit of social justice. By exploring the fundamental
questions of human existence, Western philosophy has provided a framework for
understanding ourselves and our place in the world.
In conclusion, Western philosophy is a rich and diverse intellectual tradition that has
shaped the course of human history. It is characterized by a commitment to rigorous
inquiry, critical thinking, and the pursuit of truth. Through its exploration of the
fundamental questions of human existence, Western philosophy has provided a
framework for understanding ourselves and our place in the world.
b)
The Milesian philosophers, Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes, were the first to
develop a coherent and systematic approach to understanding the nature of the
world. They were materialist monists who believed that the universe was made up of
a single substance or material, which they identified as water, the boundless or the
air, respectively. In my view, what is genuinely philosophical about the materialist
monism of the Milesian thinkers is their attempt to provide a rational and naturalistic
explanation for the workings of the world.
Prior to the Milesians, many cultures had relied on mythological or supernatural
explanations for natural phenomena. The Milesians rejected these traditional
explanations and instead sought to understand the world through observation and
STUDENT NUMBER: XXXXXXXXXX
SUBJECT:
MODULE CODE: PLS1501
UNIVERSITY: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
ASSIGNMENT NO: 01
UNIQUE NO: 706782
DUE DATE: 17 MARCH 2023
Assessment 1
a)
Western philosophy is a rich and diverse intellectual tradition that has its roots in
ancient Greece and has since evolved and expanded over centuries of scholarship
and inquiry. At its core, Western philosophy is a discipline that is concerned with
exploring the fundamental questions of human existence, such as the nature of
reality, the meaning of life, the role of human beings in the world, and the ethical and
moral principles that should guide our actions.
Western philosophy has been shaped by a diverse array of thinkers, each of whom
has made unique contributions to the discipline. From the ancient Greeks such as
Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates to modern philosophers like Descartes, Kant, and
Nietzsche, Western philosophy has been characterized by a commitment to rigorous
inquiry, logical reasoning, and the pursuit of truth.
, One of the key features of Western philosophy is its emphasis on rationality and
critical thinking. Unlike other cultural traditions that have relied on myth, religion, or
tradition to explain the world, Western philosophy has always been grounded in a
commitment to rational inquiry and empirical evidence. From the scientific revolution
of the seventeenth century to the existentialist and postmodern movements of the
twentieth century, Western philosophy has continued to evolve and adapt to the
changing needs of human society.
Western philosophy has also played a significant role in shaping the cultural and
political landscape of the Western world. From the Enlightenment to the modern era,
Western philosophy has contributed to the development of democratic ideals,
individual rights, and the pursuit of social justice. By exploring the fundamental
questions of human existence, Western philosophy has provided a framework for
understanding ourselves and our place in the world.
In conclusion, Western philosophy is a rich and diverse intellectual tradition that has
shaped the course of human history. It is characterized by a commitment to rigorous
inquiry, critical thinking, and the pursuit of truth. Through its exploration of the
fundamental questions of human existence, Western philosophy has provided a
framework for understanding ourselves and our place in the world.
b)
The Milesian philosophers, Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes, were the first to
develop a coherent and systematic approach to understanding the nature of the
world. They were materialist monists who believed that the universe was made up of
a single substance or material, which they identified as water, the boundless or the
air, respectively. In my view, what is genuinely philosophical about the materialist
monism of the Milesian thinkers is their attempt to provide a rational and naturalistic
explanation for the workings of the world.
Prior to the Milesians, many cultures had relied on mythological or supernatural
explanations for natural phenomena. The Milesians rejected these traditional
explanations and instead sought to understand the world through observation and
