PHILOSOPHY
WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?
Philosophy is the study of argument and its application to a wide variety of questions of fundamental importance to human life and intellectual activity. Philosophers attempt to answer questions such as: What is knowledge? What is the nature of truth? Could the existence of God be proved? What is justice? Why should we act morally? What is the nature and value of art? On these questions most people have an opinion. Philosophers, however, seek to ground their views on rational argument. Hence, philosophy is as much the study of what constitutes a ?sound' or ?valid' argument as it is the application of such canons of thought to specific problems. Engaging in the activity of philosophy, oneself, is one of the highest forms of mental exercise: a workout for the mind. Engaging in philosophy with others teaches one to present and develop arguments, to lead discussion but also to listen to the viewpoints of others, to assess their arguments and to settle disputes rationally. This involves hard thought, imagination and open-minded pursuit of truth.
WHY STUDY PHILOSOPHY?
For over 2000 years the study of philosophy has been considered of foremost educational importance and a mark of the educated person. Why should this be so? There are obvious benefits to the pursuit of truth, knowledge and understanding - these are always valuable to their possessor and particularly so as regards the fundamental questions with which philosophy is concerned. What one learns in a philosophy course - particularly the ability to think critically and construct valid arguments - is of value to the student of any academic subject. Moreover, these skills are highly prized in the business community and beyond. Hence, while the subject-matte ...