Part I: Philosophical Thinking
The philosophical discipline systematically answers questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reality. It aims to answer the above questions through empirical investigation and critical thinking. The three main branches of philosophy are metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics.
As part of philosophy, metaphysics deals with the most fundamental issues concerning nature and existence. They are trying to discover the truth, the very structure and foundation of the universe. They attempt to look behind the curtains of reality to find out who pulls the string and what lies in the end. Their pursuits were ageless as early as the pre-historic era when philosophers like Plato were deeply invested in metaphysical inquiries and in-depth contemplation of ideal forms or universals (Kontos, 2023). These intellectuals figured out that reality might not be just physical but exist beyond the realm of nature; there might be universal structures and principles that govern the universe. Metaphysical investigations deal with ontological and epistemological questions involving entities and structuring processes that do not fall under scientific criteria. Philosophers probe the nature of the world and the intricate managerial empowerment policies by thinking metaphysical questions. They try to reach those truths that shape how we understand existence and reality.
On the one hand, epistemology addresses the nature and range of knowledge. It touches upon concepts such as “what knowledge is” and “how does one acquire knowledge”? Socrates, a prominent figure in the history of philosophy, championed investigation and awareness of hidden assumptions in the pursuit of knowledge. Epistemological investigations revolve primarily around establishing the rightness, validity and limits of what is known, i.e., the means we use to formulate this knowledge. In this way, the earlier parts of the dialogue are meditations on the trustworthiness of different types of knowledge, including those derived from our senses, reason or intuition (Kontos, 2023). Philosophers practice epistemology, one of the most pressing questions, to clarify guiding processes of human understanding and thinking and bring the concepts of the nature of knowledge and its significance in picturing reality.
Ethics, the most essential branch of philosophy, deals with moral principles and values; hence, it tends to provide people with ways of dealing with the complexes of human existence. Aristotle’s ethical, philosophical conception encompasses the cultivation of virtues and the quest for eudaimonia, which is the source of the greater knowledge about what a good life is. By putting an accent on the development of virtues such as boldness, wiseness, and justice as the foundation of the ethical excellence of a person, Aristotle supports the idea of a balanced lifestyle when both personal welfare and the welfare of society are taken into account as the main life objectives (Schuh, 2020). This ethical perspective fosters introspection so that people act consciously of their conduct and intent to live a righteous life and realise the highest human potential.
Part II: Reflection
Thinking philosophically primarily demands that the thought process be undertaken with a critical and reflective attitude towards the ultimate questions about life and reality. It involves the critical conscience in searching for truth, assessing the thinking, and providing clear judgment in that thinking. Philosophical conversations can help us clear ethical and moral dilemmas, make rational decisions, and improve intellectual humility. Through philosophical inquiry, people exercise their abilities for abstract thinking and moral discernment. Hence, engaging the world with useful guidance and principles is likely.
The thoughts of ancient Greek philosophers have powered up my thinking much more and enlightened me and my ideas. As a result, it made me use a dialogue method of learning and problem-solving to discover the right answers and show the assumptions behind my thinking (Kontos, 2023). Aristotle’s virtue ethics theory has contributed to shaping my view of what moral character is concerned with and how cultivating virtuous habits makes for a life in which one is fulfilled. It is worth noting that Plato’s cave allegory raised several questions about reality and the role of education in attaining knowledge and perception.
Working on the question “What is knowledge? “I would argue that the intellectual quality of knowledge has been defined in two ways: “as a justified true belief” by philosophers such as Plato, and eventually, these views have contributed to the philosophy of foundationalism and coherentism. Foundationalism thinks that knowledge is based on self-evident statements or beliefs that are certain beyond any doubt; coherentism is an approach that suggests that knowledge is the same as coherent sets of beliefs that mutually reinforce one another (Schuh, 2020). Likewise, I analogues science during my academics, making science a pathway to obtaining empirical knowledge, including thinking and peer reviewing claims for evaluation. This composite manner of gaining information conforms with the foundational and coherent paths to knowledge, creating a logical and secure way to learn the truth.
References
Schuh, G. (2020). Reading the Nicomachean Ethics as an Investigation. History of Philosophy & Logical Analysis, 23(1), 167–196.
Kontos, P. (2023). Introduction to Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics. Springer Nature.
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