The Branches of Philosophy
Alaina Loomis
Background
Philosophy explores the nature of the mind. The mind being complex and thus difficult to dissect in just one field, the need for more specificity came about. It was for this reason, and the possibility of unique curiosity, that led to the division of philosophy into specific branches. This allowed for a more in-depth exploration of mankind and all of its complex systems.
Turning Point
The creation of the main branches of philosophy cannot be linked to one specific date and surely was a progressive project. While philosophy covers topics such as thought and knowledge, the complexity of those fields proved much too broad to leave so generalized. It was both by intent and innocent exploration that the branches of philosophy were created. While exploring concepts of thought, knowledge, and existence it would have been impossible not to run into specifics. The main branches of philosophy are often broken into five main areas: Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics, Logic, and Aesthetics.[1] Other sources claim philosophy to be broken up differently but essentially include the same fields. For example, Ethics and Aesthetics have been categorized under Axiology and other fields, like Metaphysics, go under different names such as “Ontology.”[2] Epistemology is the study of knowledge. This field goes into depth to explore the structure of knowledge and self reflection on process of acquiring said knowledge. This field is commonly broken into two main categories: rationalism and empiricism. Rationalism focuses on reasoning within oneself separate from using the senses. It explores one’s inner motives by nature. Empiricism on the opposite end explores knowledge from experience using the senses.[3] The second main branch of philosophy is Metaphysics (or Ontology). This explores the concept of reality, reaching “beyond the physical”. This field studies the spiritual world of existence and covers concepts such as natural order, space, time, matter, and the soul.[4] The third branch is Ethics. This explores the issue of morality and touches on personal reflection on motivation and reasoning behind actions taken and decisions made.[5] The issue of right and wrong, good versus desirable drives, and the instilling of blame or praise are addressed as well.[6] This branch also explores many social issues such as porn and the sex industry, abortion, the death penalty, and other controversial topics.[7] The fourth branch is Logic. This field is present within each branch and is important to note in that it defines a process with which every other concept is dissected by. This field also looks at individual “thinking skills.”[8] The fifth and final branch is Aesthetics. This explores the meaning behind art and beauty and the relation between the two. Concepts such as perception and the famous “beauty in the eye of the beholder” are addressed.[9] This branch also explores standards of beauty and interprets sense, taste and emotion and offers and inquiry into feelings and judgments.[10]
Effect
The result in creating separate branches of Philosophy allowed for a much more precise exploration of this intensely complex field of study. With specific categories defined, philosophers could now declare certain areas in depth. The relative structure and formalization of study in the areas of philosophy created a more “physical” ground with which to work and even allowed for specific “jobs” for philosophers to work in.
[1] Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. 2012. Page 1.
[2] Branches of Philosophy. 2013. Pages 1-2.
[3] Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. 2012. Page 1.
[4] Branches of Philosophy. 2013. Pages 2-3.
[5] Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. 2012. Page 1.
[6] Branches of Philosophy. 2013. Page 1.
[7] Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. 2012. Page 2.
[8] Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. 2012. Page 2.
[9] Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. 2012. Page 2.
[10] Branches of Philosophy. 2013. Page 1.
Bibliography
Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. Theological Studies. 2012. Pages 1-2.
"The Divisions and Definition of Philosophy." Branches of Philosophy. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2013. Pages 1-3.
<http://philosophy.lander.edu/intro/what.shtml>.
Alaina Loomis
Background
Philosophy explores the nature of the mind. The mind being complex and thus difficult to dissect in just one field, the need for more specificity came about. It was for this reason, and the possibility of unique curiosity, that led to the division of philosophy into specific branches. This allowed for a more in-depth exploration of mankind and all of its complex systems.
Turning Point
The creation of the main branches of philosophy cannot be linked to one specific date and surely was a progressive project. While philosophy covers topics such as thought and knowledge, the complexity of those fields proved much too broad to leave so generalized. It was both by intent and innocent exploration that the branches of philosophy were created. While exploring concepts of thought, knowledge, and existence it would have been impossible not to run into specifics. The main branches of philosophy are often broken into five main areas: Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics, Logic, and Aesthetics.[1] Other sources claim philosophy to be broken up differently but essentially include the same fields. For example, Ethics and Aesthetics have been categorized under Axiology and other fields, like Metaphysics, go under different names such as “Ontology.”[2] Epistemology is the study of knowledge. This field goes into depth to explore the structure of knowledge and self reflection on process of acquiring said knowledge. This field is commonly broken into two main categories: rationalism and empiricism. Rationalism focuses on reasoning within oneself separate from using the senses. It explores one’s inner motives by nature. Empiricism on the opposite end explores knowledge from experience using the senses.[3] The second main branch of philosophy is Metaphysics (or Ontology). This explores the concept of reality, reaching “beyond the physical”. This field studies the spiritual world of existence and covers concepts such as natural order, space, time, matter, and the soul.[4] The third branch is Ethics. This explores the issue of morality and touches on personal reflection on motivation and reasoning behind actions taken and decisions made.[5] The issue of right and wrong, good versus desirable drives, and the instilling of blame or praise are addressed as well.[6] This branch also explores many social issues such as porn and the sex industry, abortion, the death penalty, and other controversial topics.[7] The fourth branch is Logic. This field is present within each branch and is important to note in that it defines a process with which every other concept is dissected by. This field also looks at individual “thinking skills.”[8] The fifth and final branch is Aesthetics. This explores the meaning behind art and beauty and the relation between the two. Concepts such as perception and the famous “beauty in the eye of the beholder” are addressed.[9] This branch also explores standards of beauty and interprets sense, taste and emotion and offers and inquiry into feelings and judgments.[10]
Effect
The result in creating separate branches of Philosophy allowed for a much more precise exploration of this intensely complex field of study. With specific categories defined, philosophers could now declare certain areas in depth. The relative structure and formalization of study in the areas of philosophy created a more “physical” ground with which to work and even allowed for specific “jobs” for philosophers to work in.
[1] Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. 2012. Page 1.
[2] Branches of Philosophy. 2013. Pages 1-2.
[3] Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. 2012. Page 1.
[4] Branches of Philosophy. 2013. Pages 2-3.
[5] Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. 2012. Page 1.
[6] Branches of Philosophy. 2013. Page 1.
[7] Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. 2012. Page 2.
[8] Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. 2012. Page 2.
[9] Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. 2012. Page 2.
[10] Branches of Philosophy. 2013. Page 1.
Bibliography
Michael Vlach. “5 Branches of Philosophy”. Theological Studies. 2012. Pages 1-2.
"The Divisions and Definition of Philosophy." Branches of Philosophy. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2013. Pages 1-3.
<http://philosophy.lander.edu/intro/what.shtml>.