The Foundations of Philosophical Thought and Logic

The Etymological Meaning of Philosophy

1. What does "Philosophy" etymologically mean?

Philosophy etymologically means "love of wisdom". Originally, philosophers were people interested in knowing reality, in discovering the secrets of Nature, and in understanding the reason for the things that happen around us.

The Transition from Myth to Logos

2. Explain the transition from myth to logos.

In Ancient Greece, the way of thinking and seeing the world changed thanks to a group of thinkers called "Pre-Socratic philosophers", who began to devise new ways of thinking about the universe by observing and developing rational theories. This new rational discourse is known as "logos".

Defining the Nature of Myth

3. What is a myth?

A myth is a form of religious explanation. "Mythos" was the narrative story used by the Greeks. They were narratives told by poets, generally oral, in which the gods gave meaning to the world.

Key Differences Between Mythos and Logos

4. What is the difference between “mythos” and “logos”?

• Logos are rational explanations that seek the natural causes of phenomena.
• Mythical thought is arbitrary. Rational thought is not arbitrary because it seeks explanatory laws and theories to understand the universe.
• Mythical thought is traditional. Rational thinking is innovative and critical, questioning old beliefs and convictions.
• Mythical thought is collective; myths are usually anonymous and shared by a community. Theories are not anonymous because someone (a philosopher or thinker) defends them.

Comparing Philosophy and Religion

5. Are there similarities between Philosophy and Religion?

The objective of both philosophy and religion is to teach us to have a good life, so both guide us on how we should act.

Shared Characteristics of Philosophy and Science

6. What characteristics do Philosophy and Science share?

Both are rational and critical. In addition, Philosophy and Science share the same theme, which means that they both want to answer questions about the universe and the human being.

Understanding Falsifiability in Science

7. What does “falsifiable” mean?

This means that any scientific claim must be corroborated or verified by experience. They have to be capable of being proven false.

Why Philosophical Statements Are Not Falsifiable

8. Why are philosophical statements not falsifiable?

Because they are not refutable by experience.

Distinguishing Philosophy from Science

9. What are the differences between philosophy and science?

• Testing: Scientific hypotheses must be tested, while philosophical theories are not falsifiable.
• Predictions: Science makes predictions, but philosophy does not.
• Measurement: Science is concerned with the measurable; these are descriptive facts or empirical data translated into the language of mathematics. Philosophy deals with things that are difficult to measure, such as arguments from principles, abstract ideas, normative truths, and subjective relevance.
• Technology: The final difference is their relationship with technology. Science generates (produces) technology, but philosophy does not.

The Modern Utility of Philosophical Inquiry

10. Do you think philosophy is as useful as science nowadays? Justify your answer.

However, philosophy does not generate technology and does not provide machines or technical divisions, which is why some say that philosophy is less useful. Yet, philosophy is a way of learning what we can do with that power.