What is Philosophy?

So, what is philosophy?

Looking at the simple definition of this word, we see Lover of Truth.  Obviously, there is more to this.  A dictionary definition might have these words:

1.  the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct.

2. a particular system of thought based on such study or investigation: the philosophy of Spinoza.

3. a system of principles for guidance in practical affairs.

Thus, we can see that the pursuit of this study includes the guiding us in how we come to know what we know, its usage, and understanding the why’s of application.

We analyze our presuppositions, beliefs, theories, why and how we believe what we believe.  To pursue the studies one simply needs an inquiring mind.  Going further, the study of philosophy opens up a broader path: Loving the study of wisdom..

Oddly, the Ancient Greeks believed that the ignorant man cannot be truly happy.  Ignorance simply means not knowing, for whatever reason.  Hardly a genuine insult, one can be ignorant of a subject that is not studied, why would the Medical Doctor study astronomy?

One ancient writer commented that ‘the unexamined life was not of high value.’  One needs to examine personal belief structure as well.

How do we really know, or know anything?  What is knowledge, and how can certainty be assured?

How does one explain God, evil, and the battle of these that we see on earth?

Two definitions will be provided, for these terms will be seen again.

Metaphysics –

1. the branch of philosophy that treats of first principles, includes ontology and cosmology, and is intimately connected with epistemology.

2. the underlying theoretical principles of a subject or field of inquiry.

3. a treatise by Aristotle, dealing with first principles, the relation of universals to particulars, and the teleological doctrine of causation.

Epistemology –

a branch of philosophy that investigates the origin, nature, methods, and limits of human knowledge.   May include the study of truth.

The exploration of these two terms will allow one’s own personal philosophy to be built.  The term “own philosophy” refers to the values that make one unique.  The personal value system has points that are open to debate and questioning, and those that are not.

Sadly, when one sees these terms, they are usually used to justify attacks against Christian values and truths.  Usually “metaphysics” is used the most.  By simple definition, noted above, the use is somewhat unjustified. If one does not wish to believe anything that is of the Christian faith, one need not bend logic to do so.  Adding to this, when Aristotle explains in general terms what he tries to do in his philosophical works, he says he is looking for "first principles," a first principle is one that cannot be deduced from any other.  Stated another way, a statement that is more of a postulate, taken on faith, not able to be proved by known methods of reason, science, testing, anything.  Thus, the search for first principles is not peculiar to philosophy; philosophy shares this aim with biological, meteorological, and historical inquiries, among others. But Aristotle's references to first principles in this opening passage of the Physics and at the start of other philosophical inquiries imply that it is a primary task of philosophy.

(From, Aristotle's First Principles.)

Or, perhaps the one challenging a belief structure and using the term “metaphysics” is critiquing “the underlying principles.” In this case, one should have a firm understanding of their own belief system, working within the studies, writings, and records.  Looking at this differently, studying the “why’s” of the belief system – “knowing why you believe what you believe.”

The defense against such inquiries (attacks?) is a thorough understanding of the belief system, and some the principles, logic patterns, tactics and techniques that can be used.

Logic, careful arguments, deductive and inductive reasoning, as well the use of inferring conclusions.  Many beliefs have strong logical basis, some beliefs and values are supported by inferring. 

The basis of Christian theology is not the focus here, but understanding the need for these ideas, and tools shall be emphasized.  How to use ontology and cosmology for defense of the faith, both from hostile inquiries within the faith, and outside of the faith.

Ontology, study of the nature of being, becoming, existence, or reality, as well as the basic categories of being and their relations. Additionally, ontology deals with questions concerning what entities exist or can be said to exist, and how such entities can be grouped, related within a hierarchy, and subdivided according to similarities and differences.

Cosmology is the study of the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe. Religious cosmology (or mythological cosmology) is a body of beliefs based on the historical, mythological, religious, and esoteric literature and traditions of creation and eschatology.  With is broad definition, the application to Christian beliefs should be seen, no doubt by removing the extraneous verbiage.  

Historical is the written history, from the Bible and Church history.  Mythological is academic speak for that which cannot be explained by known human terms. Religious explains itself. Esoteric is holding ideas preserved or understood by a small group as opposed to the population at large.