Spring 2009 201 Study Question Collaboration

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We'll use class dates and topics to organize this page. Please sign your answer with your name so that people can keep an eye on the roster to determine their turn. You must post your answer (circulated to your two "editors" if possible) by the next class meeting. Please try to do this so we can review answers in class.

1/15/2009

1. What are some of the distinguishing traits and methods of philosophical thought?

(Your answer here)

2. How do philosophy, myth, and religion relate to each other? Identify both differences and areas of overlap.

3. What is the difference between philosophy and science?

1/20/2009

What are some of the distinguishing traits and methods of philisophical thought?

Philosophy has a tendency to lead to a plurality of different answers. For most complex questions there are different answers that appear. Progress in philosophy is a slow process; those of us who like immediate results and absolute certainty tend to be annoyed by philisophical reflection.Philosophy also introduces us to multiple ways of seeing the world, thus enriching our perspective but at the same time exposing us to risks. Philosophy is often accused of being subversive.It corrupts what we think. Philosophy has a way of making us rethink what we believe. It makes us question our morals and values. Studying philosophy can lead us to new knowledge and to a new outlook on life. There are 5 different fields of study-

1.metaphysics-the study of ultimate reality 2.epistemology- the study of knowledge 3.ethics- what values should govern our lives 4.aesthetics- questions about art and beauty 5.logic- studies the nature of arguments

Hannah Alcamo