Introduction
One important subject in human evolution is philosophy. This essay thus critically examines the concept of philosophy and defines the major branches of philosophy. Ideally, philosophy is derived from Greek word philosophia meaning ‘love of wisdom’ has been thought as a general study of “fundamental issues especially those linked to existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind and language” (Sober 86).
It is worth noting that philosophy can be differentiated from other disciplines by the fact that it critically evaluates existing as well as emerging problems fully guided by arguing in the most rational manner. It is worth acknowledging that the concept of philosophy has been evolving with the passage of time.
The ancient philosophers’ work has laid solid ground on the development of what we currently have. Additionally, it has been documented that one of the major virtue of philosophy is its ability to teach not what to think rather how to think. Skills acquired to ensure that humans are capable of “critically analyzing issues, question orthodoxies as well as express issues in the clearest manner” (Warburton 64).
The main branches of philosophy
It has been difficult to come up with the various branches of philosophy; however efforts of ancient philosophers resulted in five major branches. These include metaphysics, ethics, politics, esthetics, and epistemology. There is no doubt that all these branches are associated in one way or another.
According to Sober, 35 metaphysics purely deals with telling humans all issues relating to existence thus forms the baseline of how we view the world. In the strictest sense, metaphysics is the study of the nature of reality, tackling such issues as the link between the human body and mind. It tries to unveil whether the world is veracity or just a fantasy.
Among the key elements of metaphysics deemed rational are that reality is absolute and the world is real but not a false impression. The existence of the physical world makes each an every entity to have a specific nature. The entities interact with one another based on their nature. Additionally, every action does have a cause and effect. This branch is very important since it gives us the foundation of philosophy, which has made mankind be in a position to deal with reality (Warburton 86).
Politics as a branch of philosophy applies to a group of individuals in a society. The major importance of this branch is that it lets mankind know how he opts to set up society as well as the best way to act within it. It is held that in any political system individuals opt to be allowed to function in a manner based on their nature. In situation this is not the case then there are chances that rebellion will be exhibited or the political setting will collapse (Sober 94).
Additionally, politics should allow faculty of reasoning to be preserved and coercion should not be practiced. Lastly, it is rational for the system to ensure that an individual is prevented from committing “crimes such as killing or robbery against another usually by ensuring that government can use retaliatory force as well as objectifying the existing laws of the land” (Sober 73).
Another important branch of philosophy is ethics; it strictly tries to answer the question which is the proper way humankind should exhibit while living with others. It is usually deemed the study of good versus bad. This branch has three other sub-branches which are; meta-ethics that deals with the issue of good and bad as well as if there is absolute ethical truth and the degree of such truths (Warburton 98). Normative ethics centers mainly on how one should act as well as the best course of action to take.
The last sub-branch is applied ethics, which tries to get into the reality of application of ethics, for instance, trying to understand whether abortion is right. The major importance of this branch is with regards to giving mankind a chance to decide on the course of action hence removing the chances that his or her actions are random and aimless. This makes it possible to pursue a common goal.
As suggested by Warburton 124 epistemology deals with the various methods that are used by human beings to acquire knowledge. Issues addressed include challenges brought forth by non believers as well as the link between what is to be deemed true, just and to be believed. Ideally, it deals with the manner with which our minds are linked to reality and whether such links are valid or not.
The major importance of epistemology is it explains how human think hence making us be in a position to distinguish between truths and false. The key elements are that human sense is valid and important in ensuring that we obtain information about the world. Similarly, reasoning is what makes us gain knowledge as well as understanding.
Lastly, esthetics is mainly concerned with studying art; issues it encompasses and the purpose. Questions addressed here deals with the constituents of art, how art is evaluated and judged, among others. Art has been deemed to bring meaning to man since it has been in existence since the origin of mankind. Additionally, art “concretize abstractions hence bringing ideas or emotions based on what the observer has grasped” (Sober 20).
Conclusion
The essay has succinctly covered the five branches of philosophy by defining them, giving their importance and the rational elements of each. These branches include; metaphysics, ethics, esthetics, epistemology, and politics.
Works Cited
Sober, Elliott. Core Questions in Philosophy: A Text with Readings, New York: Prentice Hall, 2001. Print.
Warburton, Nigel. Philosophy: The Basics, London: Routledge, 2004. Print.