Philosophy

Hello, my name is Mike Bisson and this is my new blog: essaydoctor.  I am new to blogging, so please be gentle.  My background is in teaching English, Composition, Literature and History.  I also have an extensive background is sales, training and management.

In this blog, I will not be teaching grammar: I am more inclined to post about ideas and to probe for the opinions of others.  I believe original, well examined ideas are the foundation for effective writing.  Discussing ideas and refining them is the intent of this blog.  If you have ideas or suggestions, please share them with me so that we may both learn together.

Thought for the day:

What does the term "philosophy" mean to you?  The word "philosophy" comes from the Ancient Greek φιλοσοφία (philosophia), which literally means "love of knowledge" (retrieved from the Wikipedia article "Philosophy" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy).

In Philosophy is typically separated into three areas:

·         Epistemology - the nature and scope of knowledge (truth, belief). 

·         Logic - the study of the principles of correct reasoning. 

·         Metaphysics - the study of existence (reality and time)

Philosophy is intellectual exploration; a search wherein a conclusive answer may not exist.  Mensa member and former Philosophy student, at California State University at Long Beach, Steve Martin once said “the more you learn about philosophy, the less you know”.

Philosophy is complex and requires intense reflection and critical thinking.  Philosophy is the practice of asking questions and answering them with further questions as Socrates did in ancient Greece.  Philosophy is much more than asking if a world could exist in your finger nail when you are intoxicated.  In my view, Philosophy is the study, reflection upon and progression of knowledge. 

What is your view?  Do you agree or disagree?  Do you have something to add?