Philosophy: Basics, Essay Example

Definitions

Philosophy can be defined as a group of ideas and/or beliefs guiding one’s life or way of doing things. In contrast, religion is a way of life which entails one’s belief in and relationship with a supreme being that controls their life. A myth is an ancient story, mostly without any truth behind it, but which forms a popular belief among a section of individuals. It is a story that is always disapproved by science and natural course.

Cogito Ergo Sum – “I Think, Therefore, I Am”

Descartes is considered the father of western philosophy. Descartes used the words “I think, therefore, I am” to imply that the mere fact that one thought about their existence, then that was enough proof that in deed they existed. It is these words and this reasoning that formed the foundation of modern day philosophy. Thus philosophy is a science of thinking about one’s existence.

Locke’s Political Philosophy and Its Influence Declaration of Independence

John Locke was a British philosopher whose work had great influence on political philosophy. He brings into the fore the theory of property and argues that property is a natural right. He believed in human tolerance and believed in civil uprising as a way through which people would organize to achieve their natural rights it is these ideas that had profound influence on the founding father of the united state of America while they were drafting the declaration of independence.

Classical American Philosophy Grew Out of a Revolution

While Lockean and other Greek philosophies were at play in America in the eighteenth century, they were founded on theological/religious philosophy. But political connotations came into the fore front in the run-up to and during the American Revolution. The classical philosophy changed from a theological to a moral and political perspective. The new philosophers in the likes of Thomas Jefferson introduced the dimensions of human vis a vis the fight against the government of the day. These were the formative tenets of the classical American philosophy.