Good morning students of morality, here is your first Research Assignment to be submitted next

week (Tuesday):

1. Who are the philosophers in the Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary Eras?
Research the most influential ones during such eras.
The most influential philosophers in the ancient period are:

- Socrates (469–399 BCE): Known as the father of Western philosophy, Socrates is

famous for his method of inquiry known as Socratic questioning.
- Plato (427–347 BCE): A student of Socrates, founded the Academy in Athens and
wrote dialogues that explore various aspects of philosophy, including metaphysics,
epistemology, and ethics.
- Aristotle (384–322 BCE): A student of Plato, and is known for his comprehensive
works on a wide range of subjects, including metaphysics, ethics, politics, and logic.
In the Medieval period, the philosophical landscape was significantly shaped by
Christian theology and the rediscovery of ancient Greek philosophy. Key figures include:
- Augustine of Hippo (354–430): A bishop and theologian, is considered one of the
most important figures in Western Christianity and philosophy. His works cover a
wide range of topics, including the nature of time, the soul, and the relationship
between faith and reason.
- Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274): A Dominican friar, philosopher, and theologian, is
known for his synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology,
particularly in his work "Summa Theologica."
- Boethius (480–524): A Christian philosopher and statesman, is known for his
translations of Aristotle's works into Latin and his own philosophical writings,
including "The Consolation of Philosophy."
- Avicenna (980–1037): A Persian philosopher and polymath, considered one of the
most influential philosophers of the Islamic Golden Age. His works cover various
fields, including philosophy, medicine, and theology.
- Averroes (1126–1198): A Muslim philosopher and theologian, is known for his
commentaries on Aristotle and his own works on philosophy, medicine, and theology.
Modern Eras philosophers, spanning 17th to early 20th centuries, influenced fields
like epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy, with key figures
including:
Modern Philosophy (17th to 19th Century)

- Immanuel Kant: A central figure in modern philosophy, Kant is known for his work
on epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. His ideas have had a profound impact on
Western philosophy, bridging the gap between rationalism and empiricism.
- Rationalists: Including Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, and Malebranche, these
philosophers argued that knowledge begins with innate ideas in the mind.
- Empiricists: John Locke, George Berkeley, and David Hume are key figures in this
group, emphasizing that knowledge begins with sensory experience
- Political Philosophers: Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau are notable
figures in political philosophy, contributing to the understanding of human nature and
society
- German Idealism: Influenced by Kant, this movement includes philosophers like
Hegel, who argued that the real and the rational are one and the same
Contemporary Philosophy (20th to 21st Century)

- Martin Heidegger: Known for his comprehensive philosophical system, Heidegger is

considered one of the most important philosophers of the modern era.
- Edmund Husserl: The father of phenomenology, Husserl's work has been influential
in the development of modern philosophy
- Karl Marx: A significant figure in political and social philosophy, Marx's theories
have had a lasting impact on history and social sciences
- Arthur Schopenhauer: Influential in various fields, Schopenhauer's philosophy covers
psychology, politics, art, and sex
- Charles Sanders Peirce: The founder of pragmatism, Peirce's influence is particularly
notable in American thought
- Michel Foucault: A deconstructionist philosopher, Foucault's work has been
influential in the human sciences and psychiatry
 - Jean-Paul Sartre: Known as the father of existentialism, Sartre's work has had a
significant impact on philosophy and culture
- Friedrich Nietzsche: A precursor to existentialism and postmodernism, Nietzsche's
influence is vast and multifaceted

2. What are the major branches of philosophy? And define them one by one.
The major branches of philosophy are Metaphysics, Epistemology,
Logic, Aesthetics, Ethics, Political Philosophy, and Philosophy of Religion.

- Metaphysics: This branch examines the fundamental nature of reality, including the
relationship between mind and matter, substance and attribute, potentiality and
actuality. It seeks to understand the nature of being, existence, and reality. It is
divided into ontology, which studies the nature of being, and cosmology, which
explores the origin and structure of the universe.

- Epistemology: Focused on the study of knowledge, including its nature, origin, and
limits. Epistemology seeks to understand what knowledge is, how it is acquired, and
what its limits are. It explores questions about the reliability of knowledge and the
conditions under which knowledge is justified.

- Logic: This branch deals with the principles of correct reasoning and argumentation.
It studies the methods and rules of valid reasoning, aiming to ensure that arguments
are sound and conclusions are logically valid.

- Aesthetics: is a field that studies the appreciation and understanding of beauty, art,
and taste, examining their connection to human experience and culture.

- Ethics: The study of moral values and principles, ethics explores questions of right
and wrong, good and bad, and just and unjust. It seeks to determine what is morally
right or wrong and how moral principles should guide human behavior.

- Political Philosophy: This branch examines the nature of government, political

systems, and political theory. It addresses questions about the nature, scope, and
legitimacy of public agents and institutions, as well as the principles of justice,
equality, and freedom.

- Philosophy of Religion: Focused on the study of religion, including the nature of

God, the existence of the divine, and the relationship between religion and ethics. It
explores questions about the nature of the divine, the existence of God, and the
connection between religion and ethical values.

3. Why should students of morality be lovers of wisdom?

 - The reason why students of morality should be lover of wisdom is because it equips
students with the tools to critically analyze life, ideas, and situations. This enables
them to become more discerning and not blindly accept every idea presented to them.
It encourages them to question, reflect, and engage in dialogue with others, fostering
a deeper understanding of the world and themselves. Philosophy enhances students'
intelligence, promoting verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, intrapersonal, and
interpersonal skills for effective communication, problem-solving, self-awareness,
empathy, and ethical decision-making in complex moral situations.

The love of wisdom is not just about acquiring knowledge but about a lifelong pursuit
of understanding. It encourages a love of learning that goes beyond academic
achievements, fostering a continuous quest for knowledge and wisdom. This mindset
is essential for students of morality, as it enables them to grow and adapt in a rapidly
changing world. Philosophy encourages students to reflect on their own interests,
goals, strengths, weaknesses, and feelings. This self-awareness is crucial for personal
growth and for making informed decisions that align with their values and
aspirations.

Reference:

Maurer, A. (2023, May 19). Medieval philosophy | History, Philosophers, Neoplatonism,

Aristotelianism, & Scholasticism. Encyclopedia
Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/medieval-philosophy
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2023, June 14). Modern philosophy | History,
Philosophers, & Facts. Encyclopedia
Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/modern-philosophy
Panovski, A. (2023, September 6). Philosophy 101: The 5 major branches of philosophy
explained. TheCollector. https://www.thecollector.com/what-are-the-branches-of-
philosophy/
Edu, L. (2024, February 5). Main branches of philosophy: metaphysics, axiology, logic |
Leverage Edu. Leverage Edu. https://leverageedu.com/blog/branches-of-philosophy/
Green, M., & Green, M. (2018, July 5). 14 reasons why. . . kids should learn the “love of
wisdom” - Aleteia. Aleteia — Catholic Spirituality, Lifestyle, World News, and
Culture. https://aleteia.org/2018/07/05/14-reasons-why-your-kids-should-learn-the-love-
of-wisdom/

Nota Bene: * 1 whole sheet of yellow pad paper * Handwritten, not encoded * Always cite the
sources below * Don't forget to write your complete names, subject title, course and section, and
the date of submission. * Make your answers thorough but direct to the point. Manage your time
well. Good luck!