Introducing Philosophy
If we were to define philosophy, we could say that philosophy is the
critical analysis of fundamental (or pivotal?) beliefs that are taken for
granted in common sense.
“Critical Analysis”: to question, analyze, generate arguments,
explore arguments, look for objections, attempt to reply to objections,
revise views, defend views.
“Fundamental Beliefs”: beliefs that refer to things which: (1) are
usually not observable or testable by scientific means and; (2) form the
basis for many beliefs that underlie how we view the world, ourselves,
other people, right and wrong action, etc...
Here are some non fundamental beliefs:
“Today is chilly."
"The Big Bang Theory is on the CBS network."
"Arkansas is south of Missouri."
"'Yesterday' was written by Paul McCartney."
Why are these non fundamental beliefs? Because (1) we can figure out if
they’re true by using observation and (2) they are not terribly important
to how we view the world, ourselves, other people, etc...
Here are some fundamental beliefs:
“People are more valuable than dust."
"God exists."
"PED’s are wrong."
"Other humans are conscious too."
"Things don't come into existence all by themselves."
"I am not living in the Matrix."
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