Western philosophy

Introduction

Western philosophy refers to the philosophical thought and work of the Western world. Historically, the term refers to the philosophical thinking of Western culture, beginning with Greek philosophy of the pre-Socratics such as Thales (c. 624 – c. 546 BC) and Pythagoras (c. 570 – c. 495 BC), and eventually covering a large area of the globe. The word philosophy itself originated from the Ancient Greeks: "philosophia", which literally means "love of wisdom".

Historical Development

The scope of philosophy in the ancient understanding, and the writings of (at least some of) the ancient philosophers, were all intellectual endeavors. This included the problems of philosophy as they are understood today; but it also included many other disciplines, such as pure mathematics and natural sciences such as physics, astronomy, and biology (Aristotle, for example, wrote on all of these topics).

Ancient Philosophy

Ancient philosophy was the philosophy of the Greco-Roman world from the 6th century BC to the 6th century AD. It is usually divided into three periods: the pre-Socratic period, the period of Plato and Aristotle, and the post-Aristotelian (or Hellenistic) period. A fourth period that is sometimes added includes the Neoplatonic and Christian philosophers of Late Antiquity.

Medieval Philosophy

Medieval philosophy is the philosophy of Western Europe and the Middle East during the Middle Ages, roughly extending from the Christianization of the Roman Empire until the Renaissance. Medieval philosophy is defined partly by the rediscovery and further development of classical Greek and Hellenistic philosophy, and partly by the need to address theological problems and to integrate the then widespread sacred doctrines of Abrahamic religion (Islam, Judaism, and Christianity) with secular learning.

Renaissance Philosophy

Renaissance philosophy is the period of philosophical thought in Europe during the Renaissance, which spanned the 14th to the 17th century. The period is characterized by a revival of interest in the ancient classical philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, and a turn away from the dominant Scholastic philosophy of the Middle Ages.

Modern Philosophy

Modern philosophy is philosophy developed in the modern era and associated with modernity. It is not a specific doctrine or school (and thus should not be confused with Modernism), although there are certain assumptions common to much of it, which helps to distinguish it from earlier philosophy.

Major Branches of Western Philosophy

Western philosophy can be divided into six branches that have assumed various importance over time. Traditionally, the major branches of philosophy are: metaphysics, epistemology, logic, ethics, aesthetics, and political philosophy.

Metaphysics

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that investigates principles of reality transcending those of any particular science. It is concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being and the world.

Epistemology

Epistemology is the study of the nature and scope of knowledge and belief. It explores the nature of knowledge, justification, the rationality of belief, and various related issues.

Logic

Logic is the study of valid reasoning. Logic is often divided into three parts: inductive reasoning, abductive reasoning, and deductive reasoning.

Ethics

Ethics, or "moral philosophy", is concerned with questions of how humans ought to act, and the search for a definition of right conduct (identified as the one causing the greatest good) and the good life.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics is the "critical reflection on art, culture and nature." It addresses the nature of art, beauty and taste, enjoyment, emotional values, perception and with the creation and appreciation of beauty. It is more scientifically defined as the study of sensory or sensori-emotional values, sometimes called judgments of sentiment and taste.

Political Philosophy

Political philosophy is the study of topics such as politics, liberty, justice, property, rights, law, and the enforcement of a legal code by authority.