ETHICS

Basic Concepts
in Philosophy
1
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

 Define philosophy
 Analyze the importance of philosophy
Meaning of Philosophy
Etymological definition

The term philosophy is derived from two Greek words "philos" or

"philein" (to love, to desire) and "sophia" (wisdom). Putting them
together, we have "philo" +" sophia" (love of wisdom).
Meaning of Philosophy
Real definition
1. Encyclopedia Americana, 2003
Philosophy is a rational critical thinking of a more or less
systematic kind about the conduct of life, the general nature of
the world, and the justification of belief.

2. The New Websters Dictionary of the English Language, 1995

Philosophy is the love or pursuit of wisdom; the search for
basic principles
3. Piñon, 1995
Philosophy is the science of the things by their ultimate
principles and causes, as known by natural reason alone.

4. Gualdo, 2000
Philosophy is a human search for meaning; an intellectual
quest that goes beyond the boundaries of concrete
knowledge, towards the realm of the abstract where the
inquisitive mind finds some satisfaction and wonder.

5. Bauzon, 2002
Philosophy is the never-ending search for the total human
meaning of our experiences. It is a discipline that attempts to
look for answers to man's inquisitive mind that begins in
wonder and ends in awe.
6. Kolak and Martin, 1990
Philosophy is the art of questioning everything; the goal of
philosophy is wisdom and wisdom requires questioning
what is questionable.

7. Earle, 1992
Philosophy focuses on conceptual clarity and
understanding, from ignorance to knowledge.
Importance of Philosophy
1. Philosophy as a subject enables the student to study, learn, and
master the various branches and divisions of philosophy and the
theories and beliefs of philosophers.
2. Philosophy helps the student to develop the ability to form
opinions and beliefs.
3. Philosophy helps the student to be resilient and philosophically
calm in the face of disorder and doubts, uncertainty,
indefiniteness, and chaos.
Importance of Philosophy
4. Philosophy deepens the student's self-awareness and awareness
of the world.
5. Philosophy helps students to be creative and imaginative.
6. Philosophy provides the student with a better intellectual
perspective and outlook.
7. Philosophy gives the student personal freedom
Importance of Philosophy
7. Philosophy provides the student with a better intellectual
perspective and outlook.
8. Philosophy gives the student personal freedom - the freedom from
biases, prejudices and conviction, and tyranny of customs that
have grown up in his mind.
9. Philosophy helps the student refine his power of analysis- the
power to think critically, reason, evaluate, theorize, and justify.
Branches of Philosophy

1. Metaphysics

Focus: Study of existence: the fundamental

questions of reality.

Questions: 1. Why am I here?

2. Where will I go later in life?
Branches of Philosophy

2. Epistemology

Focus: Study of knowledge: how we know about

reality and existence.

Questions: 1. How do I know that I know?

2. Why do I know about it?
Branches of Philosophy

3. Logic

Focus: Study of reasoning and argument.

Questions: 1. Why is it valid?

2. How do you argue correctly?
Branches of Philosophy

4. Ethic/Moral philosophy

Focus: Study of action

Questions: 1. How should you act?

2. Is it morally right?
Branches of Philosophy

5. Aesthetics/ Axiology

Focus: Study of art and beauty

Questions: 1. What is beauty?

2. It is an art or not?
Moral Philosophy
Moral philosophy is the branch of philosophy that contemplates what
is right and wrong.
It explores the nature of morality and examines how people should
live their lives in relation to others.
Branches of Moral Philosophy
1. Meta-ethics

Concern with the theoretical meaning and reference of moral

propositions, and how their truth values (if any) can be
determined.

Meta-ethics answers the questions:

2. What is morality?
3. What is justice?
4. Is there truth?
5. How can I justify my belief as better than the beliefs held by
others?
Branches of Moral Philosophy
2. Normative ethics

Concern with the practical means of determining a moral course of

action.

Normative Ethics answers the question:

3. What we ought to do?
Branches of Moral Philosophy
3. Applied ethics,

Concern with what a person is obligated (or permitted) to do in a

special situation or a particular domain of action.

Applied Ethics answers the question:

4. Should we lie to help a friend or co-worker?

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