the assignment for Philosophy Essay

Submitted By shwu
Words: 976
Pages: 4

1.) The following is our collaborative compilation in answer to question number 1 regarding the definition of philosophy:
Philosophy is the study of life and its various aspects. It exercises the art of contemplation and discussion to either formulate ideas and theories for some conclusion, or with which to entering into open ended thought processes on areas related to knowledge, existence, language and definitions, values, morals, reasoning, mind, surroundings, political and social constructs and the meaning of life itself.
Philosophy uses systematic approaches and critical thinking to completely dissect a concept and reconstruct it possibly in a new light or framework.
On the personal level philosophy is what an individual believes and thinks. An individual’s actions and attitudes are a reflection of their thoughts and beliefs. Not until an individual is open to examining the philosophy of their life, do they become capable of changing how they interact with the world, whether such examination is made consciously or unconsciously it is the prerequisite for change.
2.) While some professions may share a philosophy, overall there are more philosophies than there are professions. This is because each profession has varying standards, ethics, and regulation which they uphold. These will fluctuate as region, religion, cultural, and moral standards create variations in philosophy.
Examples: Individuals who believe and practice Scientology or Jehovah Witness are both examples of instances where their personal philosophies and beliefs affect the medical treatment received despite what current medical philosophies may be.
Philosophy is related to sciences and other fields of study. As science and other fields of study evolve, moral principles are stretched and challenged. When such development occurs professional philosophies diverge.
Examples: During the plague epidemics in England (post written lineage era), scientific understand necessitated isolation of entire towns, including those townsmen without symptoms, in order to contain spreading of the disease. Scientific study showed that the plague was highly contagious. Therefore the philosophy of life and treatment of those with disease was directly influenced by the field of science as understood at that time.
An example in which the ways and means by which philosophies are related to other sciences is described below:
Philosophical shifts such as those based upon scientific study are exemplified by the controversy over the use of stem cell research. Such advances in science have brought about a moral dilemma for both sides. Those whose primary objective is to further the research required to elevate and potentially cure those who suffer with highly debilitating degenerative disease believe stem cell research can provide major advancement. Conversely, those who believe that life is introduced upon conception and thus the use of stem cells advocates the ending of such life are against stem cell research. This presents a moral issue which then flows into two diametrically opposed medical scientific philosophies.
3.) Ways in which Plato’s The Allegory of the Cave can be interpreted as group-think include:
Those within the cave, who if freed would choose to not venture above ground after witnessing the state of the man who did so and then returned - is an aspect of group think.
Humanity above grounds believe that those who dwelt below were all ignorant - was another example of group-think.
The aspect that those below could in fact be brought to realize that through knowledge they could build upon truths which they already inherently knew was the key to Plato’s allegory.
4.) Visible signs of group-think within our society today include:
Political partisanism – our voting ballot is an obvious expression of such group thinking. Rather than vote for the merits of the individual and the platform and values which they uphold, there is the “straight