Philosophy 101 provides a broad snap shot of the
major philosophical thoughts since ancient times. The book is easy to read and simplifies
the theories and ideas for layman philosophers to see the depth and scope of
thought in human society. It is this human thought that has pushed society to
newer levels of thinking that keep humanity moving forward to new heights.
Philosophy is considered a cultured persons hobby, a
poor man’s occupation, and trivia entertainment to the masses. We fail to see
that philosophy is the root foundation of science and the two cannot be unmarried.
Skilled philosophers use multiple avenues to understand a problem and regularly
are running against the grain of current thought.
Despite the natural desire to arrest new thoughts in
society it is the philosophers that society owes its greatest consideration.
Whether we are discussing scientific principle or the very constitution of the
country none of it would have been possible unless philosophical minds pondered
the possibilities.
I selected one theory, one philosophical point, and a logical-sequential
function to highlight the point. The Theory of Universals tells us that
everything in the universe has some type of order through connecting
universals, the Philosophy of Cultures shows us that understanding our world is
subjective based upon rearing, and the Scientific Method guides us in a
methodology of testing our environment.
The Theory of Universals:
The Theory of Universals states that there are
universals in our world outside of mind and language. Plato believed that there
were properties and qualities that can characterize our world. Some believe in
forms that exist outside space and time while others believe they exist within
our space and time. The example provided are the redness of a cherry and apple
and how these exist regardless of whether or not someone perceives them.
If we were to look at science and properties we can
find that there are universals in terms of elements that exist and function
regardless of whether or not we perceive them. As technology increases we are
able to perceive universals in their more minute form and change how we define
them in our minds but don’t necessary change the fundamental nature of
existence. It exists whether or not we are aware of it.
The Philosophy of Culture:
Culture in the past was seen differently than it is
today. Culture was part of the rearing process and created a way of
understanding the world. It fundamentally changed how we view the world and how
we see particular issues. Culture is embedded in our language and mental images
derived from language.
Culture is seen as collective or individualistic. In
collective societies people see their duties to their social networks while in
individualistic societies people feel that their duties lie primarily with
themselves. Ethics and values can be culturally relative depending on the
values one is reared with. Some have argued that both types of cultural vantage
points can still judge right and wrong based upon helpful and unhelpful
behaviors.
The Enlightenment:
The enlightenment changes the way in which we view
the world as philosophers sought to find truth in the universe. It had a
profound impact on perceptions of society, government, nature, the universe,
and rational thought. It changed the mystical views of the past to the
scientific method we use today.
The scientific method provided a frame work for
reason and logic to analyze the world around us. The circular model is based on
observation, theory development, prediction, and experimentation. As new
observations and predictions occur new theories develop and existing ones are
adjusted to make them more accurate.
Kleinman, P. (2013) Philosophy 101. [Kindle DX version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com
