2 Major fields of philosophy METAPHYSICS AND EPISTEMOLOGY ONLY

Major Fields of Philosophy

Prepared by:APRIL L. CENTES

M.A.T.-P.E.

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MetaphysicsEpistemologyAxiologyLogic

Branches of Philosophy

MetaphysicsWhat is Metaphysics?

It encompasses everything that exists, as well as the nature of existence itself.

It says whether the world is real,

or merely an illusion. It is a

fundamental view of the world

around us.

Why is Metaphysics important?

Metaphysics is the foundation of philosophy. The degree to which our metaphysical

worldview is correct is the degree to which we are able to comprehend the world, and act accordingly.

Without this firm foundation, all

knowledge becomes suspect.

Any flaw in our view of reality will

make it more difficult to live.

What are the key elements of a rational metaphysics?

Reality is absolute.

It has a specific nature and

it must be consistent to that

nature.

Every action has a cause and

an effect.

Categories:1. ONTOLOGY: What is

the nature of existence2. COSMOLOGY: Origin

and organization of the universe

3. THEOLOGY: What are the relations about God, humankind, and the universe.

Philosophical Questions asked in Metaphysics:What is reality?Are people basically good or bad?What is the nature of the world in

which we live?What is the nature of being and of

reality? (ontology)What is the origin and what is the

structure of the universe? (cosmology)What or who is God? What are the

relations among God, humankind, and the universe? (theology)

What is Epistemology?

Epistemology is the study of our method of

acquiring knowledge.

Epistemology is the study of the nature of knowledge.

Generally involves a debate between rationalism and empiricism, or the question of whether

Knowledge can be acquired a priori or a posteriori.

Epistemology: Study of Knowledge

a priori (“prior to") - priori knowledge or justification is independent of experience

a posteriori (“posterior to") are used in philosophy (metaphysics) to distinguish two types of knowledge. knowledge or justification is dependent on experience or empirical evidence.

Epistemology: Study of Knowledge

For Educators:Epistemology- the nature of knowledge and learning

Pedagogy- ways of teaching

Why is Epistemology important?Epistemology is the explanation of how

we think. Without epistemology, we could not

think. We would have no reason to

believe our thinking was

productive or correct, as

opposed to random images

flashing before our mind.

Importance of Epistemologydistinguish truth from error. consequences are obviousflaws in epistemology will make it harder to

accomplish anything.

Ways of Knowing:• Empiricism

• Ethical subjectivism

• Moral rationalism

What are the key elements of a proper Epistemology?Valid- Our senses are valid, and the only way

to gain information about the world. Reason- is our method of gaining

knowledge, and acquiring understanding. Logic- is our method of maintaining

consistency within our set of knowledge. Objectivity- is our means of associating

knowledge with reality to determine its validity.

Concepts- are abstracts of specific details of reality, or of other abstractions.

A proper epistemology is a rational epistemology.

Philosophical Questions asked in Epistemology

What is knowledge?

What is truth?When did knowledge originate?

How do we come to know?

How do we learn?

Branch of Philosophy Chief Topic Questions related to Education

Metaphysics Ontology Reality •What is knowledge•Are students basically capable people or incapable people?•How does our view of knowledge determine what should be taught?

Summary

Branch of Philosophy Chief Topic Questions related to Education

Metaphysics Cosmology The Universe •How orderly should my classroom be?•Should the curriculum be structured or determined students?•Should I teach the theory of evolution or creationism?•What texts should I use as authoritative?

Summary

Branch of Philosophy Chief Topic Questions related to Education

Metaphysics Theology God •Is it possible to motivate all students to want to learn?•Is a student’s ability to learn innate or acquired?•Should all people have the same access to education?

Summary

Branch of Philosophy Chief Topic Questions related to Education

Epistemology Knowledge •Should teachers lecture, ask questions, provide experiences, or encourage activities to enable students to learn?

•How do scientists do science?

Summary

Guided Instruction

Metaphysics: My dog is my best friend.

What is the nature of dog and friend?

Epistemology: My dog is always happy to see me, kisses me, and has unconditional positive regard for me.

How do I know the nature of dog, happy, kisses, unconditional positive regard?

Metaphysics: God is goodWhat is the nature of good?What is the nature of God?

Epistemology: I have a strong God belief like my family and the religious schools I attended taught me.

Why do I believe in the God I do?

Why do I believe in the God commandment I do?

How do I know they are true?

Guided Instruction

Philosophical Quotation of EducationPlants are shaped by cultivation and

men by education. .. We are born weak, we need strength; we are born totally unprovided, we need aid; we are born stupid, we need judgment. Everything we do not have at our birth and which we need when we are grown is given us by education.(Jean Jacques Rousseau, Emile, On Philosophy of Education)

Thank You for listening..Have a nice day….