Dummies Intro to Philosophy

I got introduced to philosophy about a year ago, super late at 28. It just happened by chance, found a book in a used book bin and started reading. I explored a wide variety of views from authors over the centuries. I found a majority of them to be well thought out ideas on the human condition. I kept an open mind and I was able to appreciate the outlook of these philosophers. Some ideas I gravitated to, so I was repulsed by, simply asking myself “Why?” as I kept on reading.

I wanted to write an article about the basics branches of philosophy. Like a ‘Philosophy 101’ almost. Something that someone with no experience could grasp, because I was recently in the same boat. Philosophy is a way of looking at the world and the beautiful thing is that everyone has a philosophy. Whether or not you choose to, you have a philosophy either from being around the people you grew up with, the information you have exposed yourself to, or your local media.

Philosophy can basically be broken down into five branches:

• Metaphysics - What is out there?
• Epistemology - How do we know
• Ethics - What's the right actions?
• Politics - What is good?
• Aesthetics - What is beautiful?

Metaphysics

Webster’s defines Metaphysics as “a division of philosophy that is concerned with the fundamental nature of reality and being”

I see metaphysics as being the question of what exists “out there”. In understanding your universe, your world, or your everyday settings; the first step is to define the limits. Some examples of metaphysics might state that all that exists is all that is physically observable buy instruments such as cameras telescopes etc. Another metaphysical a thought may have the boundaries of existence to the spiritual realms. Where what exists has been revealed through visions, feelings, and revelations. Metaphysics is important because it forms the basis of you interact with your world. You will make decisions to fulfill your needs on what you believe to exist. From the basics such as shelter to higher order needs such as love and actualization.

Great metaphysical questions include:
Is there a God?
Does everything only exist in my mind?
Is time cyclical or a linear?
Is there a place where everybody knows your name?

You can find a lot more good ones Here

Each branch can be studied independently, or you can form a philosophy using the branches as the framework, expanding from Metaphysics and building from there. Step 1 is forming your philosophy is to define clearly what the boundaries of existence are. This is very crucial because it plays right into the next branch.

Epistemology

Defined as “the study or a theory of the nature and grounds of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity”

Epistemology is the system are methods by which knowledge you are metaphysics. Better stated it is the way that you prove your metaphysical statement. You have said what exists, this is how I am going to prove it to you. Epistemology helps to solidify what believed to be out there in the universe and offers people interested in your philosophy way to verify statements. It is very crucial to have this step so that the potential followers of your philosophy, even casual readers can access the information and better grasp your worldview.

There are various avenues for arranging knowledge and justifying your metaphysical statements. A few are logic, instruments, beliefs, feelings, and rhetoric. Each method havings its pros and cons fitting with some philosophies better than others.

Ethics

This branch brings us more out of the heady thoughts of the previous two and more into everyday life. We hear the word “ethics” used more often in daily life. We want to take the right actions and those fall into the ethical realm. Was it right? was it fair? You also want to consider future ramifications of the decisions. The Bible's golden rule(probably even more ancient) comes to mind. "Do to others what you want them to do to you" or is your style more 'every man for himself.' Every person needs a code of ethics, and the contents of that code are crucial.

Ethics gets a lot of discussion in most philosophies as it entails what each individual is to do in order to follow or appreciate it. These are the day to day activities, rituals, that people are so fond of that make their lives out blocks of tiny habits. Ethics is not the same as morality, ethical decisions are external and deal with societal constraints and norms. Morals are based internally on one's compass of what is right and wrong.

Politics

NB: I opted to omit politics from this writing. I wanted to make a quick an easy article. Somehow kept getting writer's block on politics, the area is still new to me. Also, I wanted to make sure I differentiated the philosophical politics from the legislative version that is commonly used with the word. The philosophy of what is good as a society coming first, then the laws protecting that ‘goodness’ are written as a secondary. This is how I have understood from what I have read i.e Politics by Aristotle

Aesthetics

With all the previous elements created and documented, there must be a way to represent and express your philosophy in art. Aesthetics allows you to communicate finer details and some nonverbal elements of your viewpoint through painting, sculptures, music and other mediums. Aesthetics help to reinforce your philosophy in a more passive and public manner; for example, a painting of the ideal outcome of your philosophy might help to convince other quicker than a well-made book. Such as the example below(A bit postmodern for my tastes)

Conclusion

As a beginner philosophy may not have as many moving parts as you might have thought. By breaking it down into simple questions you are more able to grasp a philosophy and better mold your own. I hope this article helps you and that you may enjoy the field as much as I have recently.