Preparing for Quiz 1

In this section we study the beginnings of philosophy, the tools of philosophy, the branches of philosophy, and the question of the definition of "philosophy".

This is the material for Quiz 1.

Readings for Quiz 1

The reading assignments for this section are:

• DP Ch 1 to (not including) "The Philosophy of Socrates"

• DP Ch 10 "Wittgenstein" section only

• The following notes:

  • What is Philosophy?

  • Mythos and Logos

  • Open and Closed Concepts and the Continuum Fallacy

  • The Fallacies of Composition and Division

  • Necessary and Sufficient Conditions

  • Chronological List of Western Philosophers

  • What is Bad Logic?

  • Some Pre-Socratic Philosophers

It is not necessary to memorize the chronological list of Western philosophers. You should know the periods of philosophy for Quiz 1, however. By the end of the term, you should know the chronological order of the philosophers we will study.

The handout "What is Bad Logic?" is provided as a very elementary introduction to the concept of logical correctness, primarily for background.

Objectives for Quiz 1 (Sample Essay Questions)

You should be able to answer essay questions such as the following:

• Explain the difference between mythos and logos world-views.

• Why is Thales considered the first Western philosopher?

• Who were the Pre-Socratics? Explain the major views of Parmenides, Heraclitus, and Pythagoras.

• Explain the difference between a necessary and a sufficient condition.

• Explain the different between open and closed concepts.

• Why is Wittgenstein relevant to the question of the definition of philosophy?

• Why do philosophers not worry much about formulating an exact definition of philosophy?

• What are the major periods of philosophy?

• Name and explain the subject matter of the following major branches of philosophy: metaphysics (ontology), epistemology, logic, axiology, aesthetics, ethics.

• What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?

• What's the difference between "philosophy of" specialties (like philosophy of religion, philosophy of science, philosophy of law, etc.) and other areas of philosophy (like metaphysics)?