Introduction to Philosophy Introduction to Philosophy Jason M. Chang.

Introduction to PhilosophyIntroduction to Philosophy Jason M. Chang

Lecture OutlineDefining philosophy

Relevance of philosophy

Beginnings of philosophy

Defining PhilosophyLiteral translation (from Greek)

Questions of philosophy

IrresolvableInterminableInescapable

Defining Philosophy

Defining Philosophy

Defining Philosophy

A discipline that aims at truth about or understanding of reality, existence, and meaning through disciplined reasoning

Red the aimBlue the topicsYellow the method

Relevance of PhilosophyWhy study philosophy?

Critical thinking skillsSkills in argumentationCommunication skillsTo be like Bruce LeePlatos answer

Source: http://www.scu.edu/cas/philosophy/whystudy.cfm

Relevance of Philosophy - Platos answerIntroduction to Plato

Platos cave

Imagine a dark scene

Plato 427-347 BC

Relevance of Philosophy - Platos answerPrisoners in the cave

Features of the prisonersPrisoners as a metaphor for what?

Escapee who ascends the cave

Features of the escapeeEscapee as a metaphor for what?

Relevance of Philosophy - Platos answerThe importance of philosophy for Plato

Frees us from our prejudices

Enlarges our understanding of the True and Good

Part of a well-lived human life

Beginnings of PhilosophyIntroduction to Socrates

Socrates 469-399 BC

Beginnings of PhilosophyWhy is Socrates important?

Represents philosophy (and the examined life)

Challenged others to live the examined life

Willing to die for philosophy

Beginnings of PhilosophySocrates mission in life

Origins of his mission

Oracle of Delphis proclamation

Recognition of corruption and ignorance

Twofold mission

Beginnings of PhilosophyCarrying out his mission

Challenge to Athenians

Socratic method

Public reception of Socrates actions

Beginnings of PhilosophySocrates trial and execution

Official charges

Socrates in jail

Socrates execution (399 BC)

******Critical thinking skillsThe ability to analyze an issue from various points of viewThe ability to weigh reasons and evidence for the purposes of deciding which view to accept

Skills in argumentationTo rationally persuade others

Communication skillsTo explain complex ideas clearlyThe ability to summarize the content of a message clearly and objectively

To be like Bruce Lee

Platos answer*********