AN INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

PHILOSOPHY -- From the Greek words Philo = love Sophia = wisdom

PHYTAGORAS OF SAMOS -- A 6th Century BC sage and mystic coined the word PHILOSOPHIA

PHILOSOPHIA -- = therefore is love of wisdom PHILOSOPHERS -- = lovers of wisdom

#A story is told that while Pythagoras was watching the Olympic Games in ancient Greece inside an amphitheater he notices 3 groups of people;1. Those who are there to play the games, to win, to compete, to fight for honor and fame.2.those who……to sell their wares..profit3.those who watch the game to be thrilled by the unfolding events…

3 Kinds of People According to Pythagoras:

1. People who live life for the sole purpose of becoming famous. --Lovers of Fame

2. People who live life to become rich and wealthy. --Lovers of Gain

3. People who live life not to be rich or famous but with a purpose in mind: to understand what life is really all about.

Philosophy therefore denotes:

- love of thinking/thinking attitude- reflective attitude towards life

Philosophers reflect on knowledge, on God, on life, on death, on what Man is and who man is, on right and wrong, on society among others. >>Pythagoras called these people lovers of WISDOM.

Pythagoras coined the term PHILOSOPHOS to differentiate them from the SOPHOS/SOPHIST

Sophos during their time are men of great intelligence but they use their knowledge to gain popularity and for profit; they are so proud to admit that they alone possesses wisdom!

-They are not interested in the TRUTH but how to win in every argument they are involved in.

SO HOW DO WE DEFINE PHILO NOW?

Definition of Philosophy:

Philosophy is the study of the ultimate reality, causes and principles acquired through the use of human reason alone

PLATO ( ancient philosopher) gave a specific technical meaning of the term:

- A philosopher is one who is interested in grasping the essential nature of things.

PLATO ( ancient philosopher) gave a specific technical meaning of the term:

- A philosopher is one who is interested in grasping the essential nature of things.

- To have a guiding attitude towards life is to have philosophy.( What is your own philosophy in life? )

Subject Matter of Philosophy:

• Generally philosophers are interested in these questions :

1. Is there a God? What reasons are there to believe in God? Can we prove or disprove God’s existence?

2. What is knowledge? Can we know? What is it to know?

3. What is man? Who is man?

4. 4. Are we free? Do we have a free will?

5. 5. What is right or wrong?

6. 6. What is beauty?

7. 7. What is the meaning of life?

8. 8. Can we attain happiness?

PHILOSOPHY: It’s Approaches and Major Branches

3 Ways to approach the study

1. Historical Approach

- ancient classical philosophy

- medieval philosophy

- modern philosophy

- contemporary philosophy

2. Through a study of individual philosophers.

3. Approach through philosophical problems.