Understanding Philosophy: Origins, Branches, and Historical Periods

Posted on Aug 4, 2025 in Religion

Philosophy in Ancient Greece

Philosophy was born in ancient Greece between the V-VI century BC. The word itself, philosophy, comes from the Greek words philos (lover) and sophia (wisdom), signifying a desire for knowledge.

Mythological Knowledge

Myths are imaginative stories that attempt to explain the nature of the world. They occupy an important place in the culture of many peoples, providing early descriptions and explanations of the world. Key characteristics of myths include:

  • Legendary figures (such as gods and heroes)
  • Fantastic stories (their explanations are not rational)
  • The author is unknown and collective.
  • They possess a traditional and uncritical character, passed down from generation to generation.

The Passage from Myths to Logos

Philosophy emerged as a distinct form of knowledge, contrasting with mythological thought. Thinkers from the School of Miletus and others abandoned myth in favor of reason.

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy is the result of human activity focused on the pursuit of rational knowledge. It is characterized by being:

  • Rational (based on logical arguments)
  • Systematic (related affirmations)
  • Critical (does not accept anything without prior examination)

Branches of Philosophy

  • Metaphysics: The study of being and everything that exists.
  • Logic: Deals with reasoning expressed linguistically.
  • Epistemology: Addresses issues of knowledge, its types, and forms.
  • Ethics: Helps us lead a good life.
  • Aesthetics: Interested in art and beauty.

Historical Periods of Philosophy

  1. Ancient Philosophy (VI to III century BC):
    • Principle Schools: Pre-Socratics (e.g., School of Miletus, Pythagoras)
    • Sophists and Socrates (e.g., Gorgias)
    • Platonism and Aristotelianism
    • Epicureanism and Stoicism (e.g., Zeno of Citium)
    • Neoplatonism (e.g., Plotinus)
  2. Medieval Philosophy:

    Deals with issues between faith and reason (e.g., St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas). William of Ockham’s nominalism represented a radical shift, questioning general concepts.

  3. Modern Philosophy (Since the Renaissance):

    Occurred alongside the Scientific Revolution. Key philosophical currents include Rationalism and Empiricism.

  4. Contemporary Philosophy:

    Characterized by its critical and denunciatory mood. Key currents include:

    • Phenomenology
    • Logical Positivism and Analytic Philosophy (focused on language clarification)
    • Existentialism (belief in freedom)
    • Personalism (recognizing the worth and dignity of the person)
    • Structuralism, Hermeneutics, and the Frankfurt School

Characteristics of the Philosophical Attitude

  • Problematizing
  • Universalist
  • Critical
  • Clarifying
  • Practical

Representative Thinkers on Pain

Arthur Schopenhauer proposed asceticism, contempt for life, and indifference as remedies to avoid pain, believing this path could lead to peace and reduce suffering.

The Problem of Transcendence

The absolute refers to the necessity of accessing something higher that gives meaning to our existence. Its features include:

  • Standalone: It does not need anything else to exist; it depends on nothing and no one. It is the cause and reason for existence.
  • Infinity: It has no limitations or end in time.
  • Superhuman: Being infinite and independent of human dimensions, it transcends human conceptions.

Concepts of the Absolute (God)

  • Pantheism (Immanent): Believes God and nature are the same (e.g., Buddhism, Hinduism).
  • Theism (Transcendent): Believes in a God who intervenes in the world (e.g., Christians, Jews).
  • Deism (Transcendent): Believes in a God who created the world but does not intervene (e.g., Toland, Voltaire).

Attitudes Towards the Absolute

  • Theism: Accepts and believes in God, considering God accessible.
  • Atheism: Rejects the existence of God.
  • Agnosticism: Doubts the existence of God.
  • Indifference