KEY CONCEPTS TO REVIEW FOR FIRST QUARTERLY EXAMINATIONS IN PHILO 12

Philosophy Philosophical questions

This refers to “the love of wisdom.” These are questions that do not require
According to Socrates, metaphorically universal answers.
speaking, this is a form of midwifery. A philosophical question examines the
fundamental nature of existence, while a
Wisdom non-philosophical question is more
This is the ability to make sensible empirical or practical.
decisions and give good advice because of
the experience and knowledge that you Simple Philosophical Questions
have. Basic but reflective; e.g. Trees are tall

Metaphysics )UMTOZO\K3(XGTIN
Serious Philosophical Questions
Focuses on the nature of reality Value-based; e.g. Is it always wrong to lie?
Example: Philosopher use metaphysical
concepts to address questions about the Deep Philosophical Questions
nature of time by exploring theories about Existentialist; e.g. Do we have free will or
the existence and properties of time is everything determined?
beyond empirical observations.
Non-philosophical questions
Logic )( These are close-ended questions and
require universal answers.
This branch of philosophy deals with the
principles of sound reasoning.
The unexamined life is not worth living
For example: A philosopher use logic to
The examined life involves constantly
evaluate an argument by assessing the
questioning and reflecting on one’s beliefs,
validity and soundness of the argument’s values, and actions. Socrates believed that
structure. a life without such self-examination lacks
purpose and meaning.
Cosmology 4UXSGZO\K3(XGTIN
The study of the origin and structure of the Thesis
universe. This is one’s prevailing idea or situation

Aesthetics 4UXSGZO\K3(XGTIN
Antithesis
Branch of philosophy that deals with the idea that opposes the thesis; e.g. If the
study of beauty and art. thesis tells that Philosophy is boring and
unimportant, its antithesis would be
Ethics 4( “Philosophy is not boring and is
Concerns what is morally right and wrong. important.” This may be continued through
justifying the opposition presented. The
Epistemology )( statement can continue like this:
Main concern is the nature and scope of “Philosophy is not boring and is important,
knowledge and belief. as well as relevant to study as it helps in
“Epistemic justification” refer to the everyday decision-making.”
process of providing reasons or evidence
to support a belief or knowledge claim. Socratic Dialogue
This is considered as a form of dialectics,
Cognitive Branches of Philosophy is a two-way process that works between
Metaphysics two parties discussing a central idea.
Epistemology
Logic Holistic Point of View
This is seeing the situation as a whole by
Normative Branches of Philosophy connecting its parts and looking through
Aesthetics the bird's eye view.
Axiology For example, . Your group didn’t win in the
Cosmology class quiz bee. During the discussion after
Theodicy the contest, you want to see the situation
from a broader perspective. In having
Characteristics of philosophy holistic viewpoint, your reaction would look
1. Discipline like “We didn’t win, but I noticed the other
2. Framework team worked well together. We can apply
3. Examination of Knowledge their teamwork strategies next time.”
Partial Point of View Heidegger’s View on Truth
looking at the situation only in one part Focuses on unconcealment to reveal the
and not seeing the whole situation. truth
For example, A student argues that climate
change is exaggerated because the Foucault’s View on Truth
weather in their hometown has remained Truth is power
the same for years, relying only on
Fact
personal experience.
cannot be either true or false because it
simply the way the world is.
Philosophical Reflection For example, it is factual that the
This requires a person to be willing to Philippines is an archipelago consisting of
examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and over 7,000 islands.
actions and to learn more about one’s life
and experiences. Belief/Opinion
is capable of being true or false because it
Reflection may or may not accurately describe the
This is the act of giving time to think about world.
the meaning and purpose of life. For example, Manila is the best city to live
in the Philippines due to its vibrant culture
and amenities. Since there is the word
Primary reflection
“best,” the statement appeared subjective
It examines its object by abstraction, by and does not accurately describe the
analytically breaking it down into its reality.
constituent parts.
It is concerned with definitions, essences Plato’s Allegory of the Cave (SYMBOLISM)
and technical solutions to problems. escaped prisoners- Philosophers, people
For example, a student lists all the scientific who seek knowledge outside the cave
factors such as greenhouse gases, (comfort zone).
deforestation, and industrial emissions. prisoners’ reaction- Hesitation to seek
This approach primarily reflects primary truth and knowledge
reflection, as it focuses on breaking down journey and transformation of the
the problem into specific components. escaped prisoner- The escaped prisoner
initially finds the outside world
Secondary reflection overwhelming and struggles to accept the
This type of reflection enables us to look reality beyond the shadows. However, after
deeper into our experiences and see the some time, they come to understand and
bigger picture of reality. appreciate the true nature of reality,
It integrates the fragmented and recognizing that the shadows were mere
compartmentalized experience into a illusions.
whole. Cave- ignorance and misunderstanding
For example, during a debate on social Shadows- illusions and perceptions
issues, a student connects various
viewpoints and experiences from different Socrates
perspectives to form a comprehensive He questioned Greek people in Athens
view on the topic. This is secondary about deep concepts such as truth, justice
reflection, as it synthesizes multiple and freedom which made him imprisoned
perspectives into a unified understanding. and later be sentenced to death

Pragmatic Theory of Truth

This theory of truth states that a
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belief/statement is true if it has a useful VXUIKYY3UX3YZGZK3UL3XK\KGROTM3
practical application in the world. If it does [TIU\KXOTM3UX3SGQOTM3
not, then it is not true. YUSKZNOTM3VXK\OU[YR_3

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Coherence Theory of Truth HKIUSK3\OYOHRK3UX3QTU]T
Deals with the consistency of the truth of
statements being claimed within the
system that is being used or employed.

Correspondence Theory of Truth

Assumes that a belief is true when we are
able to confirm it with reality.