Learning philosophy helps one critically analyze their life, knowledge, the universe, and everything it holds. The three core branches of philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology, evoke creative thinking through questioning. Although the approach used within each division is constant, they are distinct in content and objective. The subject of epistemology challenged me to analyze what I hold as knowledge critically. Philosophical thinking tested some of my beliefs as I realized I do not have reasons for my faith. Thus, philosophical thinking is a great skill in helping people move beyond accepting everything and instead seek the truth on their own.
Philosophical Thinking
Philosophy is an old yet misunderstood discipline driven by the love for wisdom.
By definition, Philosophy is a discipline concerned with seeking knowledge in areas where science fails to use reason in establishing the truth (Unit 1 Tutorials). The key instrument that great thinkers rely on is logic. Notably, the concepts that the discipline deals with cannot be measured or assessed using typical research. For example, it is impossible to quantify the concept of law. For instance, to establish if a cultural practice is morally right, it is necessary to give a rationale and rebuttal for a stance. Similarly, philosophers brainstorm and debate over matters to gain knowledge. The three main branches of philosophy include Ethics which explores the question of “what is a good life?”, epistemology focuses on the concept of knowledge, and metaphysics on the question of reality.
Ethics is one of the core branches of philosophy that is concerned with analyzing and defending concepts of value. Essentially, it is a question of right and wrong, which translates to what is a good life? For example, in a society that uses the Mosaic law famously known as an eye for an eye, a person who steals gets their hands chopped off. One person may justify the rule, while another gives a different opinion. The topic of ethics often covers controversies and dilemmas that people face in life, such as suicide, abortion, and mercy killing. The matter can be debated from different perspectives citing medical, religious, cultural, and personal reasons. A good life is expected to be full of right while avoiding wrongs. For instance, some believe that the ends justify the means and vice versa.
Next, epistemology, as a primary branch of philosophy, explores the question of “what is knowledge?” and the methods used in its acquisition. It seeks to test the level of certainty that people can claim over what they think they know. Definitively, knowledge is defined as a belief that is justified and true. For example, if a person says that they are citizens of the United States, their statement remains merely an opinion until they can sufficiently give justification. For instance, they could show their identification card to verify. For example, epistemology helps scientists in biology, astrology, and physics to differentiate and understand facts from concepts. For example, they can explore whether Darwin’s theory of evolution is true. Thus, epistemology corresponds to the question, “what is knowledge?”
Metaphysics is the widest branch of philosophy that aims to reveal and describe the core nature of reality. Its prefix “meta” means beyond implying that it explores subjects not sufficiently covered by science (Unit 1 Tutorials). For instance, much as Isaac Newtown came up with the laws of gravity metaphysic to understand what is meant by the law. In addition, metaphysics is concerned with existential questions that explore the reality of “god,” reason for human existence, afterlife, nature of time, and causation. Thus, metaphysics has a wide application and may inform other branches like ethics. It corresponds to the question, ‘‘what is reality?”
Reflection
I enjoyed scheming through all the major branches of philosophy. Thinking philosophically means contemplatively paying attention to applying knowledge. It is the vulnerability to accept the possibility that any information can be false and start reexamining for truth. Philosopher constantly challenges their belief while using logic. Moreover, in philosophical thinking, rather than simply receiving instructions and opinions and believing them, a person endeavors to think independently.
I chose my reflection based on epistemology focused on the question: “What is knowledge?” It was the most interesting as it propelled me to question my beliefs and critique what people say. While learning, I started asking and thinking if I could know something with certainty. For example, if my parents tell me I am twenty-five, they must provide proof such as a birth certificate. At one point, I thought there was nothing I could justify, not even my existence.
I thought about the Allegory of the Cave in which, after seeing reality, the lifetime prisoners choose to believe otherwise. I was wondering if it is possible that my life is but a dream, and even my existence may be fake. However, as I was thinking, it dawned on me that I could prove that I am a person because I can think, talk, and walk. Moreover, people verified that they saw me by greeting me or using other signs. Learning about knowledge is essential to everyone who wants to get reasons and understand the truth rather than settling for mere opinions.
Reference
Unit 1 Tutorials: Great Philosophers (2022) Sophia Tutorial.