Table of Contents
What is the fundamental question of philosophy?
The basic question of philosophy is the question about the relationship of thought to being. “Philosophers fall into two large camps depending on how they answer this question” (Marx & Engels, Soc.
Does philosophy have right and wrong answers?
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that there is no such thing as a right or wrong answer in philosophy.” Unfortunately, this is actually far from the truth, especially given usual interpretations of what the claim means.
What does Heidegger think is the fundamental question?
Many philosophers have expressed a feeling of awe when they come to address what Martin Heidegger has called the fundamental question of metaphysics: “why is there something instead of nothing?”. Their variety helps to illuminate the conditions under which a feeling of awe is appropriate.
Why are philosophical questions so difficult to answer?
Because philosophical questions are contestable and problematic, they require complex thinking to answer. The facts are not enough to provide answers, so we need to use our own reasoning, inquiry and judgment to arrive at an answer.
What is resolving a philosophical problem?
Resolution of a philosophical problem transforms the problem (Lipman, 2003), giving us a new way of seeing things that allows the problem to dissolve. This change in what we see or do cannot be accounted for by an addition of more knowledge or information.
What is philosophy and why does it matter?
Philosophy raises questions that address fundamental issues and beliefs and which require complex thinking rather than empirical research to answer.
What is a teacher looking for in philosophy?
In philosophy, a teacher is not looking for terminal answers…. Like a terminal illness, a terminal answer gives you no options…. A good answer is instead like a candle in the dark. It provides both light and mystery.