Definition
Philosophy refers to “love of wisdom”, where “philo” means love, and “sophy” means wisdom. The concept of philosophy is based on viewing humanity and the universe from a general perspective.
Providing a specific definition of philosophy is difficult. However, it questions existence, nature, knowledge, reason, and ethics. The aim of philosophy is to understand how things, in the broadest possible view, are related. (1)
Branches of Philosophy (2,3)
Philosophy is a field that is related to critical thinking, making it a vast discipline that plays crucial roles in life.
1. Metaphysics
Metaphysics is one of the major concepts in philosophy. It involves the following:
- Metaphysics is the study of the nature of reality and existence.
- It questions the existence of objects and their properties.
- Major concepts of metaphysics include: being, causality, and possibility. In addition to time and space.
- This branch focuses on understanding the connectivity of things, their interactions, and what makes them real.
2. Epistemology
- Epistemology is the study of knowledge and belief.
- Human knowledge can be biased or uncertain, so this type of philosophy questions the sources and evidence of what we know.
- It promotes recognition of human limitations in understanding, acknowledging that our information can be fragile and conditioned by factors such as social and biological processes.
3. Logic
- Logic is the study of principles and reasoning.
- It is one of the most reliable methods that philosophers use to verify and analyze claims.
- This branch studies arguments, statements, and the principles that govern valid reasoning. By logic, philosophers arrive at the truth.
4. Axiology
Axiology is the study of values; “axio” means values, and “logos” means the study of. This philosophy branch deals with three areas of value:
- Ethics:
Ethics questions morality and the standards and guidelines for human behavior. It helps differentiate between what is good or bad and assesses if a particular thing is morally correct and accepted. Ethics also involves concepts about different beings in society.
- Social/Political Philosophy:
It is the study of politics and includes ideas and work related to social organization. This branch discusses human rights, the choices of leaders, and the behavior of governments and organizations.
Political philosophy explores the concepts of justice, freedom, rights, and equality.
- Aesthetics:
Aesthetics is the study of the nature of art and the appreciation of beauty. It examines what is considered artistic value and interest. Aesthetics focuses on how beauty is created and its impact on human appreciation and understanding. This field highlights the roles of creativity in human life.
In summary, philosophy is a broad field of study, consisting of fundamental branches that address human-related concerns from various aspects, including existence and knowledge. Each branch presents unique perspectives and helps create a deeper understanding of ourselves and the universe around us. By grasping the true meaning of these principles, one gains a greater appreciation for the complexities of life.
Reference
- https://assets.openstax.org/oscms-prodcms/media/documents/Introduction_to_Philosophy-WEB_cszrKYp.pdf
- https://viable-reach.medium.com/branches-of-philosophy-your-comprehensive-guide-to-the-main-ones-277abbb8bb3c
- https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-branches-of-philosophy.html
