Branches of Philosophy

1
Branches of Philosophy

• Areas of Interest Specialization

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Branches

• Different
• questions
• concerns

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Logic

• Effective reasoning
• Solid argument
• Many rules still used today developed by
  Aristotle
• DEDUCTIVE reasoning (deduction)
• Universal rules ? Particular / specific events
• CERTAIN conclusions
• INDUCTIVE reasoning (induction)
• Particular / specific events ? Universal rules
• PROBABLE conclusions

4
Formal / Informal Logic

• Formal logic
• The structure or form of the argument
• Rules of inference
• Informal logic
• everyday life uses of language / persuasion

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Why?

• Help determine strength (or weakness) of
  arguments
• Evaluate arguments / judgments
• Improve our own arguing / critical thinking skills

6
Metaphysics

• Basic structure of reality / being
• What is real?
• What makes up the world?
• What causes change?
• Are things permanent?
• What is time?
• What is God?

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Some early answers

• Thales water the basic substance
• Others
• Earth, air, fire

8
Ethics

• How we should live our lives
• Study of our morals (i.e. right/wrong)
• Why right? Wrong?
• Socrates, Confucius, Kant, Mill
• Universal rules
• Rules vary according to time / place

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Epistemology

• What is possible to know
• How do we come to know?
• The study of knowledge
• What is knowledge?
• Two basic approaches
• Rationalists reason! (mind)
• Empiricists sense experience

10
Social Political Philosophy

• Fundamental principles society / state
• Best forms of society government
• Platos Republic philosopher kings
• Justice
• Distribution of goods
• Sanctions for wrongdoing
• Family life
• Economics
• Social roles

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Philosophy of Arts, Sciences, other Disciplines

• Aesthetics philosophy of art
• what is beauty?
• Philosophy of Science
• how do we approach understanding our world today?