Philosophy and critical thinking

Philosophy and Critical Thinking

Introduction to Philosophy

  • Philosophy is a core element of the humanities that delves into fundamental questions regarding existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and ethics.
  • It’s imperative to understand the origins and development of philosophical thought, from ancient Greece to the contemporary world, involving philosophers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, andNietzsche.
  • Explore different branches of philosophy such as metaphysics (nature of reality), epistemology (nature of knowledge and truth), ontology (nature of being and existence), and ethics (moral philosophy).

Concept of Critical Thinking

  • Critical thinking refers to the process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information.
  • Understand its relation to reason and logic, factors ensuring objective analysis and unbiased judgement.
  • Be aware of the role of critical thinking in philosophical inquiry, fostering intellectual courage and humility.

Philosophy and Critical Thinking

  • Familiarise with how philosophy utilises critical thinking to challenge accepted wisdom, uncover truths, and incite creative, innovative thought.
  • Appreciate the importance of logical consistency, empirical adequacy, and conceptual clarity in the examination and construction of philosophical arguments.
  • Consider the potential criticisms of philosophy, including those who shrug it off as impractical or irrelevant, and utilise critical thinking to address these critiques.

Applying Philosophy and Critical thinking to Religion and Ethics

  • Assess the application of philosophy and critical thinking to religion and ethics, in particular how they can be used to examine and critique religious ideologies and ethical theories.
  • Elucidate the ways philosophical thought interacts with theological beliefs and ethical stances, from reconciling faith and reason, to challenging religious dogma or moral absolutism.
  • Reflect on the issues related to the philosophy of religion, such as proving the existence of God, and the ethics of belief and disbelief.