Philosophy Reading Note #1
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Porterville College *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
123
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by DeanGorilla14915
Philosophy Reading Note #1
MAKE SURE YOU FILL OUT ALL BOXES FOR FULL CREDIT PLEASE
Title: “Introduction Philosophy and the Search for Wisdom"
Author: Douglas J. Soccio
Page(s): Chapter 1 pages 1-16
Important questions (2)
1.
What is Philosophy and what does it mean to be a philosopher?
2.
Describe Relativism?
Answers (1 for each question)
The word philosophy comes from Greek roots meaning “the love of wisdom.” Philosophy in the archetypal sense is an activity as well as a fixed body of knowledge. A philosopher is a lover of wisdom, someone who has a compelling need to pursue wisdom. Areas of philosophy include metaphysics, epistemology, axiology, ethics, aesthetics, political philosophy, social philosophy, and logic. Philosophical archetypes are philosophers who express an original or influential point of view in a way that significantly affects subsequent philosophers and nonphilosophers. Philosophers generally agree that knowledge is some form of true belief. This raises questions about distinguishing true belief from mistaken belief; and different philosophers give different weights to the roles reason, perception, experience, intuition, and social agreement play in this process. Some philosophers deny the possibility of knowledge entirely.
Relativism is the belief that knowledge is determined by specific qualities of the observer. In other words, absolute and universal knowledge of the truth is impossible. One opinion is as good as another. It acknowledges the diversity of beliefs, values, and practices across different
cultures and contexts, emphasizing that judgments should be made within the framework of those specific cultural or individual norms. Relativism is often contrasted with absolutism, which asserts the existence of universal and objective truths or moral principles. Critics of relativism argue that it can lead to a lack of ethical standards or intellectual rigor, while proponents see it as a way to promote tolerance, cultural understanding, and the recognition of diverse perspectives.
My comments:
Because we are all limited by our experiences, abilities, and preferences, we cannot just rely on our own untested thinking. We need to consider others’ ideas, and we need to subject our beliefs to the scrutiny of others. In the realm of philosophy, we would be wise to take advantage of those thinkers and ideas that have stood the test of time and significance. Of course, we do not want to accept the arguments of philosophers just because they are considered great or important. It is arrogant because summarily rejecting ideas that have influenced careful thinkers from the past and present implies that without any background
knowledge we know more than philosophers, scientists, and theologians who have devoted years of study to these issues.
Unknown vocabulary:
Relativism: The belief that knowledge is determined by specific qualities of the observer, including age, ethnicity, gender, and cultural conditioning.
Archetype: a basic image the represents our conception of the essence of a certain type of person.
Archetype (philosophical): a philosopher who represents an original or influential point of view in a way that significantly affects philosophers and nonphilosophers.
Willed ignorance: an attitude of indifference to the possibility of error or enlightenment that holds on to beliefs regardless of the facts.
Kate Lowry, PCC Philosophy
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help