Philosophy

• Philosophy is a commitment to an open-minded search for truth by asking questions. 
• Philosophy develops and refines critical thinking and problem-solving skills by evaluating, discussing and reflecting on questions and answers.
• • The branches of philosophy are:  
  • Logic
  • Metaphysics
  • Ethics
  • Aesthetics
  • Politics
  • Epistemology. 
• Philosophy of science assesses the implications for humanity of scientific theories and discoveries. This branch of philosophy deals with what science is, how it works and the logic through which we build scientific knowledge.
• Deductive reasoning is any form of reasoning that moves from the general to the particular (conclusion is guaranteed to be true).
• Inductive reasoning moves from the specific to the general (the conclusion is probably true).
• Abductive reasoning is when the conclusion is a best guess. A good argument proves its conclusion and all its premises are true.
• There are 3 types of reasoning -- inductive, deductive and abductive.
• Abductive reasoning is when the conclusion is a best guess.
• The branches of philosophy are Logic, Metaphysics, Ethics, Aesthetics, Politics, Epistemology.
• Philosophy of science assesses the implications for humanity of scientific theories and discoveries.
• A good argument proves its conclusion and all its premises are true.
• Deductive reasoning is any form of reasoning that moves from the general to the particular (conclusion is guaranteed to be true).
• Philosophy is a commitment to an open-minded search for truth by asking questions.
• Fallacies include Appeal to Emotion, Fallacy of Ignoring the Question/Red Herring, Fallacy of Appeal to Ignorance, Fallacy of Double Standard, Fallacy of AD Hominem, Fallacy of Strawman, Fallacy of Misplaced Authority, Fallacy of Hasty Generalization, Fallacy of Slippery Slope, Fallacy of False Cause, Fallacy of Begging the Question, Bias, Explicit Bias, Implicit Bias, Unconscious Bias, Cognitive Bias, Halo.
• Inductive reasoning moves from the specific to the general (the conclusion is probably true).
• Philosophy of science deals with what science is, how it works and the logic through which we build scientific knowledge.
• Philosophy develops and refines critical thinking and problem-solving skills by evaluating, discussing and reflecting on questions and answers.
• Right understanding, right effort, right thought, right concentration, right speech, right action, right livelihood, and right mindfulness are all parts of the Eightfold Path.
• Democritus believed that nature consisted of an unlimited number and variety of atoms, and did not believe in any force or soul that could intervene with natural processes.
• Heraclitus pointed out that the world is characterized by opposites.
• The 4 Noble Truths of Buddhism are: Suffering is an inherent part of existence from birth, through sickness and old age, to death (truth of suffering), the cause of suffering is desire: cravings for sensual pleasures and attachment to worldly possessions and power (origin of suffering), suffering can be ended by detaching oneself from craving and attachment (end of suffering), and the Eightfold Path is the means to eliminate desire and to overcome the ego (path to end suffering).
• After understanding extreme asceticism and extreme pleasures were dissatisfying, Buddha realized that there must be a middle way that was neither too self depriving nor indulgent.
• Socrates believed that the unexamined life is not worth living.
• Thales, known as the father of philosophy and a natural philosopher, believed that the source of all things was water.
• The analects can be read like a book of etiquette, emphasizing correct behaviour, loyalty, obedience and hierarchy.
• Pythagoras was the first person to have the idea that all workings of the material universe are expressible in mathematical terms, and was seen as a Messiah for his mathematical knowledge.
• Buddha wanted to discover truth which could be maintained by everyone through reason.
• Buddha was not a prophet or messiah but was rather revered for his wisdom.
• Heraclitus believed that constant change was a basic characteristic of nature, everything is in constant flux and movement, nothing is abiding.
• Buddha was concerned with the quest of the goal of life, examining concepts of happiness, virtue and the “good” life.
• Buddha arrived at his ideas through reasoning not divine revelation, making his philosophy more philosophy than religion.
• The middle way was discovered through reason.
• The Eightfold Path is a guide to the middle way, serving as a code of ethics and a prescription to find happiness and a good life.
• Socrates

  He believed that the unexamined life is not worth living.
• The analects are the main source of teachings for Confucious.
• Confucius believed that people should respect the family hierarchy, engage in good conduct outside the home, show love, respect and support and be courteous to others.
• Confucius emphasized the role of rules and ritual to ensure universal order in society.
• Democritus was a materialist because he believed in nothing but material things.
• Materialism states that reality consists of matter (could be energy force fields or atoms).