SSF111:
Fundamentals of Social Sciences –
Philosophy component
2021
To Do Well in the Course
Read the textbook before class
 Make an outline that combines notes
from your reading of the text, website
summary, and class notes
 Website: http://moodle.mu.ac.zm

The SSF111Website:
http://moodle.mu.ac.zm
This site contains:
 the syllabus
 outlines for each class
 past test and examination papers
 links to the textbooks and other
reading materials
Course Requirements
Read the assigned material
 Come to lectures and Friday discussions
 Take the Friday quizzes
 Take the two true/false, multiplechoice tests and the final exam
 Extra points: short essay questions

Misconceptions of Philosophy
Philosophy deals only with abstractions;
it is not concrete or practical
 Philosophy is just a game arguing about
words
 Philosophy is only an expression of
personal opinions

Philosophy: the Pursuit of Wisdom
•Born of wonder:
• Why are we here? Who are we really?
Does God exist? Why is there evil? Why
should we care about others?
•Aim: to clarify ideas and evaluate the
reasons given to justify beliefs:
•What do you mean? How do you know?
•Purpose: to achieve autonomy, freedom
to decide what to believe
The Philosophic Drive for Autonomy:
Plato’s Myth of the Cave
The activity of philosophy is difficult because it requires
that we question our most basic beliefs in seeking to
understand why things are the way they are
How Philosophy Differs From
Science, Law, and Religion
 Philosophy
challenges believers to explain and
defend claims of religious truth
 Philosophy questions the assumptions and
procedures of science
 Philosophy does not merely accept social
beliefs or laws; it asks how they are justified
Areas of Philosophy

Epistemology (the study of knowledge):
How is knowledge different from belief or
opinion? Is there only one truth, or can different
views be equally true?


Ontology/Metaphysics (the study of the
nature of reality):
What is the difference between appearance
and reality? Is there a God? To what extent are
human beings really free?

Areas of Philosophy

Axiology (the study of values):
 Ethics: Is there a real difference between
moral right and wrong?
 Social & Political Philosophy: Why do
we have social and political obligations?
 Aesthetics: What is art? What is beauty?