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Methods in Philosophy Explained

The document discusses various methods in philosophy, contrasting them with scientific methods, emphasizing that philosophy relies on abstract thought and critical reasoning rather than empirical evidence. It outlines key philosophical methods including the Socratic Method, Dialectical Method, Cartesian Method, Phenomenological Method, and Speculative Method, each with distinct approaches to understanding concepts and truths. Additionally, it highlights that philosophy is normative, focusing on ideals and ethical standards rather than just descriptive observations.

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21 views4 pages

Methods in Philosophy Explained

The document discusses various methods in philosophy, contrasting them with scientific methods, emphasizing that philosophy relies on abstract thought and critical reasoning rather than empirical evidence. It outlines key philosophical methods including the Socratic Method, Dialectical Method, Cartesian Method, Phenomenological Method, and Speculative Method, each with distinct approaches to understanding concepts and truths. Additionally, it highlights that philosophy is normative, focusing on ideals and ethical standards rather than just descriptive observations.

Uploaded by

laurelcrowned12
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PHILOSOPHY 301 B

TOPIC: METHODS IN PHILOSOPHY

Submitted To: APOSTLE DR. DANIEL KAUNGA

Name: LAWRENCE WACHIYE 24-1922

1
METHOD IN PHILOSOPY
1. How is the philosophical method different from the
method of science?
Philosophical Approach:

This approach emphasizes abstract thought, and understanding via critical thinking, and
reasoning about concepts. It broaches foundational questions regarding existence, ethics, and
knowledge, frequently without relying on empirical evidence.

Method of Science:

This approach is underpinned by the collection of evidence and the formation of conclusions. It
primarily utilizes the scientific method: observation, hypothesis, experiment, and repeat to
verify.

2. What do we mean when we say philosophy is


primarily normative or prescriptive
Philosophy sets out to prescribe ideals, standards or norms about what it is right, ethical or
desirable. It is concerned with how things ought to be, not just how they are.

2
3. Briefly explain the following methods employed in
philosophy:
a) The Socratic Method
Named after the Greek Philosopher Socrates, this method involves asking a series of questions to
help someone examine what they believe in. The role is to make people think deeply and find
truth by uncovering contradictions that occur in their thoughts.

Example: By stating ‘Justice is serving people with what they deserve’, Socrates will ask, ‘What
does it mean to deserve something’, and continue until an answer holding more clarity is
achieved at.

b) The Dialectical method


This method involves a structured between two or more people with different views as they
argue or discuss to achieve a better understanding. The exchange between the parties involved
helps breakdown complex ideas and establish better ones.

It often follows the pattern of: Thesis (an idea), Antithesis (the opposite idea) and Synthesis (new
better idea combining the two)

c) The Cartesian method


Was created by René Descartes and begins by doubting everything you think you know and only
accepting only what you can logically and clearly prove. Descartes believed in starting from a
firm foundation, something you can’t doubt, and reasonably building knowledge step by step.

d) The Phenomenological method


This focuses on human experiences and how things appear to us in our minds. Rather than
jumping to conclusions, philosopher use this method to describe experiences as they are, without
including assumptions.

e) The Speculative method


This method utilizes imagination, reflection and reasoning and reasoning to think about deep
questions like the nature of reality, existence and the universe. It doesn’t rely on experiments but
tries create a big image understanding through reasoning and thinking.

3
This is often used in metaphysics and theories about the universe, time and God.

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