Philosophy is known as human knowledge, how we perceive it and how we think clear critical thoughts while seeking the solutions. Philosophy can be our way of beliefs and values, and how we consider making our choices. Although it is said that there is no simple answer to what is the true meaning of philosophy. To define Philosophy one must answer the question where does the word Philosophy derive from. The word Philosophy derives from the Greek. Its meaning is from two Greek words Philein, which means to love and Sophia, which means knowledge or wisdom. Philosophy was invented by the Greeks, they believed that any person who seeks knowledge; is a philosopher. We become engaged in philosophy every day, whether knowingly, or unknowingly. When someone asks us “what do we want for dinner? Or who do we think will win tonight’s game?” we are becoming engaged in philosophy.
Throughout life we have all thought long and hard about a decision we made, in doing so we have thought philosophically. It is said that a philosophical question cannot be answered in any straightforward manner; this is a common misconception. Many other misconceptions exist, such as that philosophy never makes any progress. Progress can come in any form of a question not just in the answer like, partial answers, questions unanswered and question clarified and subdivided these are all progress. There are also misconceptions in which one opinion is as good as the next or that truth is relative. To comprehend philosophy one has to read and think immensely in order to fully grasp the understanding.
When asking a question; we give an answer, like for example, “what color are your socks?” this is a factual question because we do not have to think about it and philosophize, so therefore we answer it straightforward. When asked a question, such as where do we see ourselves in five years, we will start to think and organize our thoughts; we will be using philosophy.
When reasoning with others to accept what they say has to support their own views; this sets forth arguments. Arguments are a basic activity when distinguishing philosophy from mere opinion. Everyone has opinions, but a well thought out opinion and supportive one we can argue the reasoning. There are two ways an argument can fail and that is to be incorrect and fail to establish a conclusion.
There are fallacies in arguments. Argumentum ad hominem, this is criticizing ones character or views. Appeals to emotion, are establishing a conclusion by playing on the emotions of the person being appealed. Straw man fallacy occurs when we refute a person by misrepresentation of the view. Red herring is an argument occurring when someone addresses a point other than the one that is discussed. Begging the question, this fallacy occurs when assumption is identical to the conclusion in which we are trying to make. Last there is the black and white fallacy, this is an either- or when we are given limited options when actually there are many more.
Philosophy is divided into several areas. Metaphysics, this is questions related to being or existence. Epistemology, questions related to knowledge. Moral, questions related to values. Social, is the study of society. Political, this focuses on the state and seeks justification on proper ethics in organizations. Aesthetics, the study of art and values the judgment of art. Philosophy comes in different areas of learning subjects, such as Philosophy of science, philosophy of language, and philosophy of religion.
Some may think there is no benefit in learning philosophy. Philosophy and its learning can broaden normal thoughts and open the mind to see the difficult questions clearer. Being able to seek answer to philosophical questions, and decipher the similarities and differences is a good quality to have when critical thinking is needed. Suppose a law firm wanted their best lawyer to proceed on a difficult case, and that lawyer is also a Philosophy major, he or she will be able to ponder the questions, recognize the critical assumptions to the case in a manner that will eventually seek results and perhaps win the case. This happens because of good clear thinking and seeking solutions, they learned by acquiring the benefits of Philosophy.