What is Philosophy?

 

                                                                   

 

Unlike other fields of study, philosophy pursues fundamental questions in every dimension of human life. Philosophy develops our capacity for seeing the world from different perspective and deepens our sense of the meaning and variety of human experience.  For more detailed information on the field of philosophy, please see "Philosophy: A Brief Guide for Undergraduates" .

Philosophy is inescapable, because all thoughtful persons confront philosophical questions at some point in their lives, and nearly everyone is guided by philosophical assumptions, even if unconsciously.

Philosophical training enhances our problem-solving capacities, our abilities to understand and express ideas, and our persuasive powers. See Why Study Philosophy?

As the systematic study of ideas and issues, philosophy may examine concepts and views drawn from many perspective and fields.

 

Branches of Philosophy

                                              

                                                                                

 

Traditional branches

Logic - Concerned with sound methods for distinguishing good from bad reasoning.

Ethics - Concerned with the meaning of our moral concepts and principles to guide moral decisions, whether in private or public life.

Metaphysics - Concerned with the ultimate nature of reality, of being, and of existence.

Epistemology - Concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge and with the nature of evidence.

Philosophy of Science - Concerned with the nature of scientific knowledge, the scientific method, and scientific explanations.

Philosophy of Art (Aesthetics) - Concerned with the nature of art and of beauty.

Social and Political Philosophy - Concerned with the nature of legitimate authority and society and how philosophy intersects with political and social theory.

 

                                                                            

 

New branches

Philosophy of Law

Biomedical Ethics

Environmental Ethics

Philosophy of Mind

Philosophy of Neuroscience

Philosophy of Religion

Africana Philosophy

Eastern Philosophy

Philosophy of Feminism

Philosophy of Language

 

For more information on philosophy in general, see the American Philosophical Association's Philosophy: A Brief Guide for Undergraduates and The Philosophy Major at www.apaonline.org .