The Six Branches of Philosophy
Charlene Murray
PHI 201
UNIT 1 IP
AIU

Humans are such complex individuals. Learning what makes each individual to think, and react has been widely studied. Philosophy is the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct and a personal outlook or viewpoint. The six branches of philosophy will help address questions often asked daily during human lifetime.
Metaphysics is the study of existence
Epistemology is the study of knowledge
Ethnics is the study of action
Politics is the study of force
Esthetics is the study of art
Social is the study of social behavior
What is real? Scientist has based findings that the brain may distinguish between reality and fantasy, because real things tend to have a higher degree of personal relevance than something that is fictional. My personal experience with real; can you communicate with the dead. I can remember as a child my grandfather dead. He appeared to be sleeping but he died in his sleep. I can remember talking for hours the day before he died. He told me to always come to him if I needed to talk about anything or if I was having a problem. My reason for questioning this is every time I had a problem I would dream about my grandfather. And in every dream he always gave me sound advice which always solved the problem. So I do believe that you can communicate with the dead, but it is a spiritual connection. Ernst Mach (1836-1916) thought that the only real thing was those that we could see, feel, hear, and touch. Is the physical world more or less than the spiritual or psychological world? The physical world is more because the spiritual world is based around people thoughts, feelings, commitments, and understanding. Is there such a thing as a soul? Abrahamic concept of a soul that lives on after death, and suffers rewards or punishment for deaths in the present life, appears to have originated in Zoroastrianism. And if so how does it survive outside of a physical body? We would love to believe that souls exist; we would get pleasure knowing that another life exists after death, ‘It is something eternal, spiritual, that can never die” (Krishnamuri, 2013). If it existed it would survive through spirits and faith. Do all people have free will, or are lives determined by fate? All people have free will to an extent that their minds will allow them to have. Some are held hostage in their own minds maybe afraid to accomplish a goal because they are afraid of failure. Being aware of choice determines your fate.
What is the basis for knowledge? It is the explanation of observations, given our understanding of the truth, facts that are apparent to people and cannot be denied. This is called revealed knowledge or qualia/phenomenal (belief in god). Is it innate reason, experience, or something else? It is innate because some knowledge can happen as early as birth, it can also be experience some learn from actually doing directly or indirectly. Is all knowledge subjective, or are there universal truths? Subjective knowledge is one’s point of view, personal experience and expression. Universal truth is a fact that is true between all cultures. An individual usually accepts the truth without questioning it.
Epistemology
How is anything known? Knowledge consists of belief, truth, and justification factual belief. It depends on what the subject is whether it is subjective or universal truth. What is the relationship between faith and reason? Both are how people come up with the truth. What can artificial intelligence teach people about knowledge? Artificial Intelligence can make knowledge more widely available. People are able to research problems and search for answers. Artificial intelligence can definitely help with complex electronics design that may be impossible to an individual. It has also help people to have better interpersonal communication skills. What are the limits of human understanding? Through imagination and thoughts people can reach places beyond their ability. The limit is far as their minds will take them.
Ethics
What is the right thing to do? Knowing right from wrong starts as early as a toddler. Whether you choose to do right or wrong is based on your personal decision. Society has rules and laws that citizen must follow. What does it mean to be a good person? Being a good person means abiding by all rules and laws, being respectful of others, and having good morals. Does virtue lead to happiness? Yes, virtue does lead to happiness doing the right thing is more fulfilling. Being able to help someone is also fulfilling. People should focus more on positive situation that will lead to happier outcomes. Do the ends justify the means, or is it a virtuous action virtuous in and of itself? Yes, it will involve doing something wrong to accomplish a positive outcome. The wrong has to be justified by focusing on the positive outcome. How does living in a society affect morality? Yes, depending where an individual lives. Different cultures have the same meaning but the standard of life should be used. Is morality culturally based, individually based, or is there a universal morality? Morality is culturally based because each culture has morals that were passed on through generation that are still followed. Morality is also individually because each person has the right to choose what moral or values they will follow. Morality can also be universal because of the basic principles where people know right from wrong.
Aesthetics
What is beautiful? Beautiful is an exciting aesthetics pleasure having qualities of beauty. Being beautiful can be found within an individual, not always about the external view. Is beauty truly in the eye of the beholder, or are there some things that cultures find beautiful? Beauty can be in the eye of the beholder and within cultures. Having positive self-esteem is beauty within itself. Some cultures may consider a person tall thin with blond hair and blue eyes as beautiful. But in another culture a person can be short and stocky with kinky hair and brown eyes as beautiful. Beauty differs to each individual. What is the purpose of art? The purpose of art is to extend life and to preserve it. Art is an impression of one’s emotions and memories. Art often tells the story of an artist or someone the artist knew. How can a piece of art be successful or valuable? Art can be valuable by the attention it draws and some common connection or interest. If the art is well received it stands the chance of being valuable. Does beauty matter/ Beauty would be of personal taste, as long as the audience can relate to the art plays the most important factor.
Political Philosophy
What is the best government? Democracy is the best government. In Democracy more people are free; it represents the people, and respects and promotes human rights. How much power should the government have? The government power should be limited to control wars, economic welfare and continue to protect people rights. What kind of people should be in power? They should have strong leadership skills, strong morals and values. Someone who is there merely to do what is right for its citizens. How involved should the common citizen be in government? The common citizen should be more engaged in voting, attending public hearings to stay current on events, get involved with appointed citizens boards. Most cities have city websites where citizen can access to view current bills or events.
Social Philosophy
How should humans behave in a society? Humans should behave according to their culture and values. The culture a person is born into affects what language is spoken, their diet, and interest as children and adults. Each person must show respect and act accordingly to all rules and laws. Do people give up certain rights when they choose to live in a society? It’s not about giving up your rights but opponents of rights are taken, this is known as an incremental approach. “This is a limit to what you can do and what you can say that is acceptable (Snyder, 2012). How do social values affect individual beliefs? Social values affect how we identify ourselves with a specific culture. Humans have same race, gender, religion, and language within a culture which is usually passed on generation to generation. Do people behave differently in a crowd than they would individually? Yes, people behave different in crowds than they would individually to follow suit, blend in, to feel accepted and even peer pressure. How does society affect language and other types of communication? Society affect language and other communication based on cultural experiences, it depends on what is acceptable, and what is not acceptable. If society is more laid back people tend to be more casual with languages verses in professional environment where language is very strict and professional.

REFERENCE
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