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Definition
Philosophy (Simple Definition)
Philosophy is asking the types of questions a child
would ask…
And answering them in the manner of a lawyer.
Definition
Philosophy
“Philosophy is a challenging activity undertaken by
human beings who are deeply concerned about who
they are and what everything means.” (Honor)
• The word philosophy comes from Greek words philein “to love” Sophia
“wisdom” The original meaning of a philosopher was someone who a had “a
love for wisdom”
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Definition
Philosophy (Class Definition)
A philosopher attempts to study reality, truth, value
and meaning by critically analyzing and evaluating the
fundamental assumptions of our beliefs.
The Three Major Branches of Philosophy
Metaphysics
Epistemology
Axiology
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Metaphysics
• The branch of philosophy
that examines the nature
of reality, including the
relationship between
mind and matter,
substance and attribute,
fact and value (American
Heritage Dictionary).
Metaphysics
Epistemology
Axiology
• Metaphysics attempts to
answer the question
“what is real?”
Epistemology
• a branch of philosophy
that investigates the
origin, nature, methods,
and limits of human
knowledge (Dictionary.com v
Metaphysics
1.1).
• Epistemology attempts
to answer the question
“how do we know what
we know?”
Epistemology
Axiology
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Axiology
• the branch of
philosophy dealing with
values, as those of
ethics and aesthetics
Metaphysics
(Dictionary.com v 1.1)
• Axiology asks “what is
good?”, “what is of
worth”, “what is
beauty”
Epistemology
Axiology
Axiology
Ethics
What is to be valued? Why?
What makes an action good/bad?
How are we to be governed?
Aesthetics
What is the value of art?
What is Beautiful?
Is there high/low art?
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There is much overlap between disciplines—with conclusions in
one area having important implications for others…
Metaphysics
Epistemology
Axiology
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