What is Philosophy?

'Philosophy' is both a series of sometimes interlocking intellectual (and spiritual?) traditions and, more broadly, an attitude or process. We sometimes make the distinction between 'Big P' Philosophy, often used as shorthand for the Western Philosophical Tradition (see below), and 'little p' philosophy: philosophy as an attitude, and as a verb.

This course will include elements of both approaches, but with a heavier focus on philosophy as a process - that is, a willingness to engage with complex ideas while playing close attention to the structure of arguments. There will be a particular emphasis on critical thinking: sometimes this is the difference between philosophy and 'pub talk'.

One philosophical problem that arises when trying to define philosophy is deciding: 'whose philosophy?'. In Western schools and universities, the term is often used as shorthand for 'European, American, and Australasian Philosophy'. This is problematic, however, as many - if not all - of the world's cultures have spent thousands of years asking philosophical questions and providing answers to these questions. 

Your teachers will endeavour to provide a range of perspectives throughout the year. Feel free to challenge us if you feel that Eurocentrism is limiting the discussion. Here is an article on this topic: "If Philosophy Won’t Diversify, Let’s Call It What It Really Is."

Broadly speaking, (Western?) philosophy has several branches:

Metaphysics What is the fundamental nature of the world/reality?

Epistemology How do we know things? What counts as knowledge/truth? Can we access it? 

Ethics Do 'right and wrong' exist objectively? What should I 'do'? How should I live?

Politics The ethics of groups: what are the principles that should govern societies?

Aesthetics What is beauty? 

Underlying these branches lies logic, the methodology of philosophy: the key to ensuring that arguments actually make sense and avoid 'logical fallacies.'

For those wanting to make the most of this course, and to gain a deeper understanding of 'philosophy' in its many guises, here are some recommended resources:

• Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder: part novel / part textbook, following a fictional character called Sophie as she learns about the history of Western philosophy. The English department has loads of copies of 'Sophie's World'. We are happy to lend you a copy!

• History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell: much more academic; not for the faint of heart! The English dept has x1 copy.

• Māori Philosophy: Georgina Tuari Stewart's attempt to provide an answer to the question: what is Māori philosophy?  Your ENP teacher might have a copy they can lend. 

Other Sites You May Want to Bookmark

• YouTube: Crash Course Philosophy channel  (definitely worth watching the first episode to get an overview of 'Western' philosophy!)

• YouTube: School of Life channel (good for learning about individual philosophers, both from 'Western' and 'Eastern' philosophy)

• Wireless Philosophy (Wi-Phi) videos

• Hi-Phi Nation podcast

• Examining Ethics podcast

• Closer to Truth tv episodes