Philosophy is a subject that explores the nature of knowledge and involves reflecting on one’s thoughts and perspectives about life and the world. Prior to taking this class, I had limited knowledge about philosophy, but I was eager to learn more.
One of the challenging questions on the questionnaire was about human free will. I believe that we do possess free will to a certain extent, and we are accountable for the choices and actions we take. I came across an article that supported this idea, stating that individuals who strongly believed in their control over their actions tended to be punctual and received positive evaluations from supervisors (The Atlantic, 2016). This resonated with me as I hold myself to high standards and believe in my ability to shape my own actions, at least to some degree. However, upon reflecting on the questionnaire, I realize that my confidence in having definite knowledge about the external world was misplaced. I now acknowledge that our sensory experiences may not provide reliable knowledge, as Heraclitus suggested, considering that our observations can change over time and be subject to recall inaccuracies (Utrecht Moreelse Heraclite).
PHIL 1001S Week 6 Introduction To Philosophy
Furthermore, I personally believe that events happen for a reason and that having religious beliefs, such as faith in God, plays a significant role in shaping our perspectives and opinions. When comparing Empiricism and Rationalism, I find myself leaning more towards Empiricism due to its reliance on research, data, and practical experience as a means of acquiring knowledge. To truly understand something, I believe that firsthand observation and engagement with the world are crucial.
In terms of philosophical traditions, Western philosophy tends to focus on analyzing the parts and differences within an idea, whereas Eastern philosophy emphasizes viewing ideas as a whole and highlighting similarities. The question of the meaning of life has received greater attention in Eastern philosophy compared to the Western perspective. However, even today, there is no consensus among humans regarding the answer to this profound question.
PHIL 1001S Week 6 Introduction To Philosophy
Examining the history of philosophy, it becomes evident that there is a need to include new perspectives and female voices in the narrative. I personally resonate with the experiences of Doris Adelaide Derby, an activist associated with the SNCC, who always followed her own desires and had a strong drive to accomplish her goals. As a manager, I adopt a collaborative approach, leveraging the strengths of each team member to achieve our objectives. It is acceptable for individuals to have gaps in knowledge, as Doris herself acknowledged.
Enlightenment emerged as a time when women actively sought to have their voices heard. I value this class and appreciate the professor’s guidance in helping me understand ethics and philosophy in a broader sense. Based on what I have learned, I now have a better understanding of life in general.
References:
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy 2016
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/african-sage/
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/latin-american-philosophy/
