Philosophy is a vast discipline/discourse which has many branches and sub-branches on it. It encompasses many things and has a very wide scope.
The five major branches of philosophy include:
- Logic .
- Epistemology
- Ethics
- Metaphysics
- Aesthetics
Logic
Logic can be seen as the science of right reasoning. It is the branch of Philosophy that deals with what and how human reasoning is.
Epistemology
Epistemology is the study of the Theory of Knowledge. Epistemology deals with the process by which we can know that something is true. It addresses questions such as: What can I know? How is knowledge acquired? Can we be certain of anything?
Under Epistemology, there are two important categories which are: Rationalism and Empiricism.
Rationalism stresses reason as the most important element in knowing. Rationalism holds that knowledge is gained primarily through the mind. It also asserts that we are born with innate ideas that precede any experiences we may have with our physical senses.
Empiricism on the other hand asserts that all our knowledge comes from our five senses. In use of the terminology of the empiricist John Locke said that our minds are a “blank slate” at birth. Thus knowledge comes from our experiences.
Ethics
Ethics is the study of moral value, right and wrong. Ethics is involved with placing value to personal actions, decisions, and relations. Important ethical issues today include abortion, sexual morality, the death penalty, euthanasia, pornography' and the environment.
Metaphysics
Metaphysics is the study of “reality as apornography,is specifically the study of reality that is beyond the scientific or mathematical realms. The term “metaphysics” itself literally means “beyond the physical". The metaphysical issues most discussed are the existence of 'body' and the 'soul' and the afterlife.
You have made a good write up...
ReplyDeleteand I learnt a lot.