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HOW TO THINK


We live in a world of philosophy (love of wisdom) and might not be aware of its impact on the way that we are taught or the way that we think.  It affects our social fiber, our form of government and our constructive dialogue.

Western philosophy is usually attributed to pre-Socratic Greek philosophers with a lineage that continues through Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. 

This has been the basis for Western philosophy for over 2 thousand years.  Bertrand Russell is a remarkable philosopher and polymath until the early 1970's with many philosophers before and after his death.

The philosophy of the Eastern hemisphere is different in numerous ways.

Western philosophy is mostly divided up into five categories and these are:

Epistemology
The study of knowledge, which has a long history in Western philosophy dating back to the ancient Greeks.

Metaphysics
The study of reality, which is often considered complex and abstract. Some people associate it with religion or mysticism.

Ethics
The study of morality, or right and wrong, which can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates.

Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and appreciation of art, beauty and good taste. It has also been defined as "critical reflection on art, culture and nature". The word "aesthetics" derives from the Greek "aisthetikos", meaning "of sense perception".
and...

Logic
Traditionally considered a pillar of philosophy, but its role in epistemology and metaphysics has become more questionable in modern times.

The following diagram illustrates some of the details of epistemalogical and metaphysical thought. 

Some philosophers argue that the 5 categories can be reduced to epistemology and metaphysics.  I am currently leaning towards this idea also.  

Philosophy is a fascinating field to study since it covers the sciences, art, logic, beauty, dialogue, reality, the tangible and the intangible.
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