PHILO-120 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Existentialism
Document Summary
There is no single agreed definition to the term philosophy. Definitions differ according to the philosophers or authors. The term is derived from a greek word which itself was made up of two words, mainly: When the two are put together they from philosophia meaning love of knowledge or wisdom. People get knowledge through asking questions and trying to provide the answers. Philosophical inquiry is therefore the search for complete truth or quest for ultimate reality. Limpman (1991) says philosophy is an inquiry based on logical reasoning. Gwarinda (1985) defined philosophy as an academic discipline characterized by logical, consistent and systematic thinking so that conclusions that are reached are sound, coherent and consistent. It is argued that philosophy is something intermediate between science and theology. Like theology it consists of speculations on matter. Like philosophy it appeals to reason and validation. Categories of philosophy: the common/popular notion of philosophy. It refers to a layman"s understanding of philosophy.