PHIL 201STUDY GUIDE: LESSON 2The Importance of Philosophy in GeneralLesson OverviewHaving discussed what philosophy is, we now consider why it is important to study philosophy. We will divide our discussion into 2 parts: (1) Why is it important for all persons in general and (2) Why is it specifically important for Christians to study philosophy? We begin, in true philosophic fashion, by examining the question itself: what do mean by philosophy being important and we introduce the idea of the philosophic mindset. We then examine 5 reasons why it is important for all persons to adopt the philosophic mindset. We will end by providing an overview of the different branches of philosophy.TasksRead and take notes from Prelude to Philosophy, Chapter 2: “Why is Philosophy Important?” Asyou read, make sure you understand the following points and questions:What is meant by the philosophical mindset? An attitude or approach in life that involves regularly examining beliefs to ascertain what they mean, whether they are true and what value they have.(pg. 52)How does the job/vocation analogy apply to adopting the philosophical mindset? We can take theclass and be in it for the grade, but to adopt the philosophical mindset and change your approach to life, letting it become part of your identity makes you a philosopher. p.53List and explain the 5 reasons provided for why it is important to develop a philosophical mindset.1. The examined life2. Clarification - Philosophy helps us to define and clarify what we and others believe. 3. The value of arguing - By arguing through a problem we are forced to understand it better.4. Cultivating a worldview - Philosophy helps us to formulate comprehensive systems of beliefs where our knowledge can be categorized and examined. 5. The practical value of philosophy - Philosophy has practical value for our everyday life, ex goals that determine our everyday decisions.What are the 2 benefits of examining and evaluating beliefs?1. Understanding life enhances the enjoyment of it.2. Fulfills our epistic duties and gives proper recognition to the effect our beliefs have on our actions and emotions.What are the 2 respects in which clarification is important?1. We are clear about what we believe for our own benefit.2. Discussions need to be based on a shared understanding of what terms and concepts mean.Why is clarification important in philosophical discussions? – So time isn’t wasted on fruitless discussions.Page 1 of 5PHIL 201Distinguish between the 2 kinds of arguing in 4 ways. 1: angry dispute between 2 people (negative emotions, opponent is “bad”, attack opposing person, goal to win). 2: dispute between competing ideas (rational, attacking issue or problem, seeking truth, goal to find truth not win). p.60What kind of arguing do philosophers do? Rational argument seeking truth, attacking issues or problems. p.60What are 2 values for arguing in philosophy? 1. Formemost way to fulfill justification aspect of critical examination2. It forces us to understand an issue better. (p.60-61)What is the difference between having a worldview and establishing a worldview?One can adopt without critical reflection a worldview, accepting what they are told or what their culture proclaims or endorses. Establishing a worldview requires critically analzing one’s foundational beliefs, considering different options and coming to good justification for holding beliefs. p.62What are the 3 elements of a worldview?1. Internally consistant p.622. External comprehensiveness p.643. Coherence p.66If there is inconsistency in a worldview, how do we determine what should change? Determine which beliefs have the best support in their favor. p.63What should we do when we encounter new information that challenges our worldview?We must account for it. It may involve showing how that new information fits within our worldview or it may involve adapting our worldview to the new information. p. 65-66List and explain 5 ways philosophy is practical.1. A person's worldview determines his ultimate goals, and these shape every day decisions.(pg. 70)2. The role it plays when individuals evaluate questions and problems in other fields.(pg. 70)3. The role it plays in our ethical reasoning.(pg. 71)4. How we relate to one another (pg. 73)5. The way that it opens and expands our minds to new ideas and options we have never considered. Rids us of dogmatism, prejudice and poor reasoning. (pg. 73)What did Kierkegaard mean when he said we should understand life backward but live it forward? Decide what you want known/said about you at the end of your life and live in such a way to achieve that from this point forward. There is wisdom in the idea that a person should look at the end of her life, decide what she wants to have accomplished and then, thinking backwards from the end, plan out her life.Avoids taking wrong turns. (pg. 68-69)Page 2 of 5PHIL 201Why are our daily choices important?Today's choices will mold tomorrow. The quality of your life is largely dependent on the daily choices you make. Our character is built over a lifetime of small decisions. Choosing wisely is what philosophy is all about. (pg. 68-69)How is philosophy important to other fields of study?Helps us evaluate questions and problems in other fields. In every discipline, you will eventually encounter basic philosophical questions. (pg. 70)How does the philosophical mindset help in moral decision making?Every day we face small and life-changing moral decisions and are often confronted with social and cultural issues that involve moral decisions. We ponder these decisions in our own lives. We need good reasons. The process of finding moral justification for our choices involves thinking philosophically.(pg. 71-72)How does philosophy help us relate to other people?Individuals hold different world views. Understanding one another is the basis for fruitful dialogue, mutual respect and tolerance. We might now agree on the worldview level, but philosophy helps us live and work together as we find ways to respectfully talk about our disagreements.(pg. 73)What was Bertrand Russell’s point?Philosophy opens our mind to different ideas, perspectives and possibilities. It frees us from the trap of narrow-minded thinking and helps us think broader and deeper. p.73-74Philosophy opens our minds to new knowledge, removes prejudice, keeps our sense of wonder alive and keepsus free from narrow-mindedness, habits that stifle our