Philosophical Thinking
Defining Philosophy and Its Three Main Branches
Philosophy is an ancient discipline that dives into the questions of nature, knowledge, and ethics. The experience retrieved from the Greek history can be correlated with the modern reality. The philosophers of ancient Greece were following the truth based on Western philosophy. Even though the world has constantly been changing and the digitalization process has started, the most influential figures have maintained the core principles in many societies.
The timeless perception of works of philosophes are influencing and to become a better version of human beings, it is essential to refer to the main concepts of such figures as Socrates, Aristotle, and Epictetus. Therefore, this paper will explore the main primary branches of philosophy and explain how they relate to the contemporary world. Moreover, the impact on ancient Greek philosophers will be analyzed through moral thinking with the help of Sophia’s tutorials.
Associating Philosophical Questions with Each Branch
Three main branches of philosophy played a significant role in creating the social norms used in the modern world. Sugiyanto et al. (2022) state that the branches are epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. The epistemology branch is concerned with the question, “What is knowledge?” The concept explores how people learn and what is the nature of knowledge.
Metaphysics is more related to the question, “What is reality made of?” The most popular philosophers have always studied the relationship between mind and reality (Tabaczek, 2019). Finally, the ethics branch asks, “What is the good life, and how should I live it?” Morality is one of the main aspects of modern life, used in different spheres. The question reveals how individuals should conduct themselves to lead a meaningful life.
Philosophical thinking can increase the number of challenges in daily life. Therefore, knowing how to apply it correctly to achieve more and avoid burnout is crucial. For instance, critical thinking can help people make decisions faster and communicate more efficiently. When I meet different opinions on one topic, critical thinking helps me to stick to one idea without fluctuations.
Furthermore, philosophical thought allows me to stay ethical in every decision, as when facing dilemmas, I prefer to find the most moral answer that will satisfy all included parties. Lastly, philosophy helps to self-reflect and form beliefs for personal growth. My reaction also matters; perceptions are usually created based on the relationship with the surrounding world. Consequently, philosophical thinking is one of the main factors in the lives of every individual, which can guide and support when problems occur.
Illustrating the Differences Between the Three Branches with Examples
Greek philosophy’s central figure is Socrates, who was primarily concerned with epistemology. Socrates believed that people should learn more about themselves and their lives. One of the most famous declarations is “An unexamined life is not worth living” (Farbman, 2018). Understanding personal needs is one of the central philosophical guidance for the figure. In contrast, Aristotle, another popular philosopher in ancient Greece, was more concerned about metaphysical inquiries. He believed everything has a nature that defines people’s existence (Tabaczek, 2019).
Finally, the philosopher Epictetus was more focused on ethics and living a good life rather than understanding human nature (Humphreys, 2018). He highlighted the importance of justice and wisdom in ensuring control over personal life and supporting well-being. Dillard-Wright (2022), from Sophia’s tutorials, explained that there were no wrong philosophical perceptions, and people continue learning from past experiences. The author showed that although philosophy has different explanations, it primarily relates to religion.
Reflection
Looking at the distinguished branches of philosophy, it becomes easier to make a clear reflection of the personal journey. To think philosophically, it is essential to develop critical evaluation and be able to reflect accordingly. Moreover, the person should always stay interested in human existence, knowledge, and ethics. Philosophy navigates individuals to solve complex problems, make the right decisions, and become a better version of themselves.
The impact of ancient Greek philosophers’ work on my views and beliefs is massive. All these figures touch different aspects of my life, and while Socrates concentrates on self-examination, Aristotle’s studies help me stay more realistic and work towards my goals. To stay more moral and find positive connections, I evaluate the beliefs of Epictetus. Therefore, the ideas of all philosophical leaders are influential and help me to build a balanced life.
Even though all questions influence my personal life and activities, I want to dive into the question, “What is the good life, and how ought I to live it?” In my opinion, the good life includes eudaimonia, as presented by Epictetus. Eudaimonia means balancing relationships, staying wise, and controlling emotions (Humphreys, 2018).
As an active person who wants to achieve more, I always wonder how my life can be improved. In my journey towards the good life, I focused on Epictetus’s philosophy of the dichotomy of control. Understanding personal strengths and weaknesses is essential to know what stays outside my responsibility and influence. By following this idea and seeking positivity even when things look like a complete disaster, I continue living a happy life that is good for myself and contributes to the well-being of surrounding people.
In conclusion, the three main branches of philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics, are timeless guides for answering the most common moral questions. The practical application of the most common theories can be beneficial. However, regulating the outcomes is crucial, as well as ensuring that the concepts are applied wisely and applicably to the modern world.
By understanding the specifications of these philosophical aspects, people can learn more about themselves, dive into ethical topics, and improve their communication with the surrounding world. The thoughts and views of the ancient Greek philosophers allow individuals to continue shaping perceptions of the modern world. They also guide individuals towards wisdom and boost the presence of philosophical traditions among the younger generation in the digitalized world.
References
Dillard-Wright, D. (2022). Philosophy of religion. Sophia. Web.
Farbman, H. (2018). Dangers of literature: On the use of Socrates in recent apologies for the humanities. The Minnesota review, 91, 56-67. Web.
Humphreys, E. J. (2018). Epictetus on human suffering. Royal Holloway University London, 1-223. Web.
Sugiyanto, S., Surwiyanta, A., & Prasetyanto, H. (2022). Hotellogy – A new branch of philosophy of science. Journal of Environmental Management and Tourism (JEMT), 2(58), 466-476. Web.
Tabaczek, M. (2019). Emergence: Towards A New Metaphysics and Philosophy of Science. University of Notre Dame.