What is philosophy?

Many people believe that philosophy is an academic, dull subject that is only suitable for
the brightest brains. But what if I told you that philosophical inquiries about life, the
cosmos, and everything else are actually found throughout our daily lives?

Envision philosophy as an inquisitive youngster who is often asking "why?" about the things
they encounter. This child wants to learn more and comprehend the underlying ideas that
guide our existence; they are not content with flimsy explanations.

Philosophy is like a flashlight; it helps us view things in unexpected and new ways by
shining light on the dark recesses of our thoughts. It makes us reevaluate our views,
questions our presumptions, and inspires us to think critically about the world.

However, philosophy is not just about abstract ideas; it is also about practical applications.
It can help us to make better decisions, resolve conflicts, and lead more meaningful lives.
It can teach us empathy, compassion, and tolerance for others.

So, the next time you hear someone say that philosophy is a waste of time, remember
this: philosophy is the study of what it means to be human. It is the pursuit of knowledge
and wisdom that can help us to live fuller, richer lives.

Some of the aspects of philosophy in the readings that you might have been familiar with
include a wide range of philosophical topics, including:

Metaphysics: The study of the nature of reality, including the nature of existence, time,
space, causality, and consciousness.

Epistemology: The study of knowledge, including the nature, sources, and limits of
knowledge.

Ethics: the study of morality, including the nature of right and wrong, the good life, and
human values.

Logic: the study of reasoning, including the rules and principles of valid inference.

Aesthetics: The study of beauty, art, and taste

Political philosophy: the study of government, justice, and political systems

Philosophy of mind: The study of the nature of the mind, including consciousness, free will,
and the relationship between mind and body.

Philosophy of language: The study of the nature of language, including meaning, reference,
and truth.
Philosophy of science: The study of the nature of science, including the methods of science,
the justification of scientific theories, and the relationship between science and society.

In addition to these specific areas of philosophy, I am also familiar with the work of many
important philosophers throughout history, including Plato, Aristotle, René Descartes,
John Locke, David Hume, Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, Friedrich Nietzsche, and
Jean-Paul Sartre.

My conception of philosophy has evolved significantly since the lesson. I now see philosophy
as a more dynamic and multifaceted discipline than I previously thought. I also have a
greater appreciation for the relevance of philosophy to education and Eastern philosophy.

Before the lesson, I viewed philosophy as a dry, academic subject that was only relevant
to a select few. I thought that it was mainly concerned with abstract concepts and
theories that had no bearing on everyday life. However, the lesson showed me that
philosophy is actually a very practical and relevant subject. It can help us to think
critically about the world around us, make better decisions, and live more meaningful lives.

I was also particularly interested in the discussion of Eastern philosophy. Eastern

philosophies, such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, have a very different approach
to philosophy than Western philosophies. They are more concerned with personal
development and spiritual enlightenment than with abstract theories. I found this to be a
very refreshing and enlightening perspective on philosophy.

Overall, I am very grateful for the opportunity to have learned more about philosophy. I
believe that it is a subject that everyone should be familiar with. It can help us to live
more fulfilling and meaningful lives.

In the context of education, philosophy can help students develop their critical thinking
skills, their ability to reason, and their ability to form their own opinions. It can also help
them learn about different cultures and perspectives. In addition, philosophy can help
students develop their moral compass and make ethical decisions.

Eastern philosophy can be a valuable addition to education for a number of reasons. First,
it can help students develop a more holistic understanding of the world. Eastern
philosophies often emphasize the importance of balance and harmony, both between the
individual and the natural world and between different aspects of the individual. This can
help students develop a more nuanced understanding of themselves and their place in the
world.

Second, Eastern philosophy can help students develop their creativity. Eastern philosophies
often emphasize the importance of intuition and self-expression. This can help students
develop their own unique perspective on the world and express themselves in new and
creative ways.
Third, Eastern philosophy can help students develop empathy and compassion. Eastern
philosophies often emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting others. This
can help students develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion for others, which
can be valuable assets in their personal and professional lives.

In a nutshell, I believe that both Western and Eastern philosophy have much to offer in
education. By incorporating philosophy into the curriculum, we can help students develop
their critical thinking skills, their creativity, their empathy, and their compassion. These
skills will be essential for them as they prepare to enter the increasingly complex and
interconnected world of the 21st century.

ROGELIO O. LADIERO
G202205055
Section 4