Junde R.
Payo
1. What is Philosophy?
Philosophy comes from the Greek words “philo” meaning “love” and “sophia”
meaning “wisdom,” so it literally means the love of wisdom. Philosophy is the
systematic and critical study of fundamental questions that relate to life, existence,
knowledge, truth, morality, and reality. Philosophers ask questions like: What is the
meaning of life? What is real? How do we know what we know? What is right or
wrong?
Unlike science, which focuses on observable facts, philosophy digs deeper into the
reasoning behind those facts. It challenges us to think critically and not just accept
beliefs blindly. Philosophers aim to seek understanding, clarify concepts, and explore
the foundations of our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
In short, philosophy trains the mind to think deeply, argue logically, and live wisely.
2. Branches of Philosophy
There are five major branches of philosophy:
Metaphysics – the study of reality and existence.
Metaphysics is a central branch of philosophy that explores the fundamental nature of
reality. It addresses the big questions about what exists, what it means to exist, and
what the ultimate nature of things is. Metaphysics seeks to understand concepts such
as being, substance, time, space, causality, and identity. Philosophers in this field ask
questions like: What is the nature of reality? What is the difference between
appearance and reality? Do objects exist independently of our perception of them? Is
everything that exists material, or are there immaterial entities like souls or minds?
Metaphysics is often divided into ontology (the study of being and what kinds of
things exist) and cosmology (the study of the origins and structure of the universe). It
provides the foundation for many other areas of philosophical inquiry by seeking to
explain the ultimate nature of all that is.
Epistemology – the study of knowledge and how we know things.
Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that investigates the nature, sources,
limitations, and validity of knowledge. It is concerned with questions such as: What is
knowledge? How is knowledge different from belief or opinion? How do we acquire
knowledge—through reason, experience, intuition, or revelation? Can we truly know
anything with certainty? What are the criteria for something to be considered true
knowledge? Epistemologists explore the relationships between belief, truth, and
justification. They also analyze skepticism—the view that we may not be able to
know anything at all—and examine how we can respond to such doubts.
Epistemology plays a crucial role in science, education, and everyday decision-
making, as it helps us evaluate the reliability of information and the methods we use
to learn and understand the world.
Ethics – the study of right and wrong; moral values.
Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is the branch of philosophy that deals with
questions of morality and human conduct. It explores what it means to live a good
life, what actions are right or wrong, and what values should guide our decisions.
Logic – the study of correct reasoning.
Logic is the branch of philosophy that analyzes the principles of valid reasoning and
argumentation. It provides the tools to distinguish between good arguments—those
that follow a logical structure and lead to sound conclusions—and bad ones, which
are fallacious or misleading. Logic is fundamental in all areas of intellectual inquiry
because it ensures clarity, consistency, and coherence in thought and communication.
Aesthetics – the study of beauty and art.
Aesthetics is the philosophical study of beauty, art, and taste. It explores how we
perceive and appreciate beauty, what makes something an artwork, and how art
affects us emotionally and intellectually. Aesthetic questions include: What is beauty?
Is beauty subjective or objective? What is the purpose of art? Can art convey truth or
moral values? How do we judge the value or quality of a work of art?
Aesthetics covers various forms of artistic expression, including music, literature,
painting, sculpture, film, and more. It also examines the role of creativity,
imagination, and interpretation in artistic experiences. The field is not only concerned
with traditional fine arts but also with the aesthetic dimensions of everyday life, such
as design, fashion, and nature.
Through aesthetics, philosophers seek to understand the cultural, emotional, and
intellectual significance of artistic practices, and how art contributes to our
understanding of the world and ourselves.
3. 10 Commandments of Philosophy
These are common guidelines used in studying philosophy. Based on Arun Kabalo’s
version, here are the 10 Commandments of Philosophy (including your requirement in
number 2):
Love wisdom and seek truth.
Doubt any claims unsupported by evidence.
Think clearly and logically.
Question assumptions.
Be open-minded but critical.
Avoid emotional reasoning.
Know the difference between opinion and argument.
Ask deep questions about life and existence.
Respect different viewpoints but challenge them rationally.
Live philosophically – apply what you learn in life.
4. What is Ethics?
Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with moral principles. It asks what is
right or wrong, good or bad, and how people should live their lives. It guides human
behavior based on values and principles.
5. Why Study Ethics?
We study ethics to:
Understand the difference between right and wrong.
Make better personal and social decisions.
Develop moral reasoning.
Live a meaningful and responsible life.
Build a just and respectful society.
