DIFFERENT BRANCHES

OF PHILOSOPHY

Metaphysics

logic

Different branches of philosphy

epistemology

ethics

Study of knowledge Study the nature and the scope of the knowledge What is knowledge? Tripartite definition knowledge is justified true belief Gettier counterexamples to the tripartite definition (Edmund Gettier) Causal theory of knowledge (Alvin Goldman, 1961)

Sources of knowledge Perception Reason Introspection Memory Testimony Process of acquiring knowledge Empiricism knowledge is obtained through experience Rationalism knowledge is obtained through the use of reason

METAPHYSICS
Is

a study of existence of nature & origins of the world It is the study of being or reality.

exp: What is the nature of reality? Is there a God? What is man's place in the universe?

ontology:

The study of being & existance; classification of entities, physical or mental, the nature of their properties, and the nature of change. Natural theology: The study of a God & Gods; based on observed facts & experience apart from divine revelation.

Logic
The formal systematic study of the principles of valid inference correct reasoning

It tries to avoid imaginary or assumptions without real logical proof

Inductive Logic Starts with specific details, followed by reasoning and general conclusion Can be valid or invalid Types of Logic Deductive Logic Starts with general conclusion followed by relevant examples and logical details Stated in the form of a syllogism "All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; Therefore Socrates is mortal."

ETHICS ( MORAL PHILOSOPHY )

involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior 3 major areas of study in ethics :

Meta-ethics Normative ethics Applied ethics

META-ETHICS
the branch of ethics that seeks to understand the nature of ethical properties, statements, attitudes, and judgments. Understanding moral thought, talk, and practice and their truth values may be determined.

NORMATIVE ETHICS
believes that right and wrong are found in an individuals behaviour. The behaviours being judged by Normative Ethics are actions that have already occurred and are then being interpreted by the observer.

APPLIED ETHICS
term used to describe attempts to use philosophical methods to identify the morally correct course of action in various fields of human life. example of applied ethics :

Science and technology ethics Animal welfare ethics

http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/EPISTEMI.html http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/epistemology/#SOU