Introduction to Philosophy

This course offers an orientation to philosophical studies and an introduction to key issues of philosophical thought, with emphasis on metaphysics and epistemology. An attempt is made to determine the characteristics of philosophical activity, to present the main questions of traditional fields of philosophy and to demarcate philosophy and areas such as science, art and religion. Two fundamental questions are examined in detail: the ontological question (what actually exists) and the epistemological (how do I know), with references to contemporary debates as well as significant moments in the history of philosophy (Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Kant). We further discuss the controversial issues of the truth, the body-soul relation, the freedom of the will and the existence of God and, finally, the question whether philosophy is (still) of any use.

Objectives

Not available

Prerequisites

Not available

Syllabus

Introduction to the topic (1). Definitions of philosophy (2). Fundamental questions and division of philosophy (3). Philosophy and other fields: sciences, art/literature, religion (4). Metaphysics: concepts and theories (5). Epistemology: 1. The possibility of knowledge (6), sources of knowledge (7). Theories of truth (8). Anthropology and philosophy of mind: body, soul and brain (9). Philosophical theology and philosophy of religion: the existence of God (10). Metaphysics and Philosophy of action: free will and determinism (11).