CURSO DE FILOSOFÍA 3: DEFINICIÓN REAL.

Introduction to Philosophy

The instructor introduces a virtual philosophy class, aiming to provide reflections on philosophy for students and interested participants. The discussion begins with an exploration of the definition of philosophy.

Definition of Philosophy

• Two types of definitions: nominal and real.

• Nominal definition traces back to the Greek roots "philos" (love) and "sophia" (wisdom), emphasizing the love for wisdom.

• Semantic and etymological perspectives offer diverse interpretations of philosophy, including stoicism, scholasticism, and positivism.

Real Definition of Philosophy

• Philosophy as certain and evident knowledge of all things from their first or ultimate causes through natural reason.

• Influenced by Aristotle, Plato, St. Augustine, and St. Thomas Aquinas.

Understanding Knowledge

• Knowledge as a unifying act between subject and object in contrast to mere experience based on surface observations.

• Distinguishing experiential knowledge from scientific knowledge characterized by methodical inquiry seeking causes systematically.

Scientific Knowledge in Philosophy

Delving into the characteristics that define scientific knowledge within philosophy.

Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge

• Methodological approach in scientific knowledge dictated by the object rather than the subject.

• Emphasis on systematic organization of data leading to ordered understanding.

Pursuit of Causes

• Scientific knowledge seeks explanations for phenomena beyond surface appearances, focusing on causal relationships.

Certainty and Evidence in Philosophy

• Philosophy aims for certain and evident knowledge distinguished from mere truth or belief through rigorous methods.

• Differentiating certainty as security from evidence as clarity in presenting objects.

Verifiable Truths and Principles of Philosophy

In this section, the speaker discusses evident truths in philosophy, contrasting them with technological knowledge based on revealed truths. The focus is on fundamental principles such as the principle of non-contradiction and the importance of these principles in understanding reality.

Evident Truths in Philosophy

• The principle of non-contradiction is a cornerstone of Aristotelian logic and metaphysics, stating that something cannot both be and not be simultaneously in the same sense.

• Today, explaining the principle of non-contradiction is necessary due to a perceived loss of common sense, highlighting the prevalence of contradictions in modern society.

• The principle of identity asserts that every entity is identical to itself; any deviation from this principle would violate the principle of non-contradiction.

Foundational Principles in Philosophy

• Three logical principles - non-contradiction, identity, and excluded middle - form the basis for all sciences and serve as metaphysical foundations essential for philosophical inquiry.

Objects Material and Formal in Sciences

This part delves into distinguishing between material and formal objects within various sciences. It explores how different disciplines study specific aspects or entities based on their material or formal nature.

Objects Material vs. Formal

• Material objects are what sciences study; for instance, anthropology focuses on humans while biology studies living organisms.

• Formal objects represent the aspect that interests a science about its material object; for example, a doctor's concern lies in human health rather than just human existence.

Causality and Philosophical Inquiry

Here, causality is examined within philosophical investigation. The discussion emphasizes understanding causes as fundamental to comprehending reality at its deepest levels through reason.

Understanding Causality

• Causality involves dependencies where an effect relies on its cause; varying levels of causes exist behind actions or phenomena.

• Philosophers delve into primary or ultimate causes rather than immediate ones studied by particular sciences to grasp profound realities beyond surface observations.

Exploring First and Last Causes

This segment concludes by exploring first and last causes within philosophical contexts. It clarifies why these causes are termed 'first' and 'last' despite potential confusion regarding their order.

First vs. Last Causes

Conocimiento de la Causa Primera y Última

The speaker discusses the concept of knowing the first and last cause, using examples related to seeking medical help for stomach pain to illustrate the idea of understanding ultimate causes.

Understanding Ultimate Causes

• The example of visiting a doctor for stomach pain highlights how we often seek immediate causes (like overeating) rather than considering ultimate causes.

• Exploring the chain of causality from immediate symptoms to underlying reasons emphasizes the importance of understanding ultimate causes, such as human mortality.

• Delving into philosophical perspectives, it is noted that in philosophy, one should not rely on faith but rather reason to comprehend the concept of a first or last cause.

El Deseo de Felicidad como Causa Primera y Última

The discussion shifts towards happiness as both the first and last cause, influencing human actions and desires.

Happiness as a Driving Force

• The desire for happiness is identified as a primary motivator behind human actions; losing this desire can lead to various negative consequences like insomnia or loss of appetite.

• Happiness is considered both an initial and final cause since reflecting on our actions reveals that many activities are ultimately pursued in pursuit of happiness.