Introduction to Philosophy

4. PHILOSOPHY
It is the study of general and fundamental problems
concerning matters such as existence, knowledge,
values, reason, mind, and language.

6. Big Questions
What am I?
Is there any purpose in life?
Do we have free will?
What is right/wrong?
Does God exist?
Is there life after death?

7. PHILOSOPHY
It comes from the Greek words “philos” and “sophia”,
which means “love” and “wisdom”
“Love of wisdom”

12. Skill
Intelligence
Knowledge
Wisdom

13. Skill
An ability and capacity acquired through deliberate,
systematic, and sustained effort to smoothly and
adaptively carry out complex activities or job
functions involving ideas (cognitive skills), things
(technical skills), and/or people (interpersonal skills).

17. The 10 Skills
Employers Most Want In Graduates
1. Ability to work in a team structure
2. Ability to make decisions and solve problems (tie)
3. Ability to communicate verbally with people inside
and outside an organization
4. Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work
5. Ability to obtain and process information

18. The 10 Skills
Employers Most Want In Graduates
6. Ability to analyze quantitative data
7. Technical knowledge related to the job
8. Proficiency with computer software programs
9. Ability to create and/or edit written reports
10. Ability to sell and influence others

19. Intelligence
Intelligence refers to intellectual functioning.

24. Knowledge
the fact or condition of knowing something with
familiarity gained through experience or association

26. Wisdom
Is the ability to use and apply knowledge with great
intelligence

30. Fields of Philosophy
Metaphysics
Ethics
Epistemology
Logic
Aesthetics
Philosophy of Religion
Political Philosophy
Cosmology

32. Primary Features of Philosophy
Articulation: putting your ideas in clear, concise,
readily understandable language.
Argument: supporting your ideas with reasons from
other ideas, principles, and observations to establish
your conclusions and overcome objections.

33. Primary Features of Philosophy
Analysis: understanding an idea by distinguishing
and clarifying its various components.
Synthesis: gathering together different ideas into a
single, unified vision.

35. Importance of Studying Philosophy
Philosophy provides us with the motivation and the
intellectual abilities required to explore life’s most
challenging issues.

37. Importance of Studying Philosophy
Studying philosophy in a serious and reflective way
will change you as a person.

39. Importance of Studying Philosophy
Studying philosophy will help you develop the
understanding and insight you will need to make
intelligent choices and fulfill your potential as an
individual.

40. "And if you graduate from college
with straight A’s, you have to do some
serious soul-searching as to why you
chose to spend your time doing that.“
- Seth Godin

41. “Focus on the things that matter the
most in your life and the big picture
will begin to come into view.“
- Susan Gale

47. 1. Chaffee, J. (2016). The Philosopher’s Way: A Text
with Readings. New York: Pearson. pp. 2 – 4
2. Solomon, C., & Higgins, K. (2014). The Big
Questions: A Short Introduction to Philosophy,
Ninth Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage
Learning. pp. 3 – 7