Transcript What Is Philosophy?

What Is Philosophy?
The Definition: Philosophy is…
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a study of ideas about human nature
in relation to the reality in which we
live.
a guide for living because the issues it
addresses are basic and pervasive.
And…
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It determines the course we take in
life…
and
how we treat other people.
Philosophical Topics:
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Metaphysics –
the theory of
Epistemology –
the theory of
Ethics –
the theory of
Politics –
the theory of
Aesthetics –
the theory of
reality
knowledge
moral values
legal rights & government
the nature of art
Ethics: A Definition
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Ethics does not apply to everything that
exists – only to man, but it applies to every
aspect of man’s life: his character, his
actions, his values, his relationship to all
existence. Ethics defines a code of values to
guide man’s choices & actions – the choices
& actions that determine the course of his
life.
From: Philosophy: Who Needs It
Author: Ayn Rand
Therefore…
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Ethics involves asking questions about
life.
Ethics requires examining right &
wrong conduct.
Ethics requires examining good & bad
values.
Ethics assists us in how to behave.
It is also about selfrestraint…
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Not doing what you have the power to
do.
An act isn’t proper simply because
it is permissible or you can get
away with it.
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Not doing what you have the right to
do.
There is a big difference between
what you have the right to do and
what is right to do.
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Not doing what you want to do.
An ethical person often chooses to
do more than the law requires and
less than the law allows.
Principles of Ethical
Behavior:
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The touchstone of a person’s character
is HONESTY, including truth & justice.
The end never justifies the means.
If any element of a case is evil
(actions, motives, consequences), the
action itself is considered wrong.