Part I of II
1. Introduction – Q3: Philosophy appears to have formed many specialized
branches of study, all of which ignore the question regarding the individual’s purpose for existing.
Can you comment briefly regarding:
Above all, philosophy, which comes from the Greek work philosophia, means the love of wisdom.
The study of philosophy, in the Western tradition, began in Ancient
Since that time, the range and scope of its journey has expanded into very specialized and distinct branches. Among these branches are:
Metaphysics The Study of Existence
Epistemology The Study of Knowledge
Ethics The Study of Action
Politics The Study of Force
Esthetics The Study of Art
Logic The Study of Reason
Language The Study of Communication
These in turn consist of many subcategories, including: …
Going back to first principles is a reoccurring theme, as is the reassessment of well-established or even forgotten works.
It is organic. It changes constantly. … philosophy continually returns to its past in order to formulate new philosophical perceptions.
As we change, so does our appreciation of our philosophical heritage.
djs: The significance of philosophy with respect to ‘the love of wisdom’ and significance of philosophy’s role regarding ‘the love of wisdom’ is addressed in the introduction to Volume III. (www.panentheism.com – see library)
Regarding the branches of philosophy:
One cannot begin to examine branches two through six, nor can one begin to examine the subcategories of philosophy until one embraces the validity of existence itself.
End