Introduction

As the body of philosophical knowledge expanded, various branches of philosophy emerged to focus on specific areas of study such as nature, humanity, God, morals, knowledge, aesthetics, and more. Philosophy as a discipline is commonly categorized into distinct branches including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, anthropology, and aesthetics. However, these branches are interconnected and represent different facets of the same subject matter. Each branch complements the others in providing insights and understanding human existence and experience. Therefore, one discipline is intricately linked with others.

Metaphysical Concerns

The field of metaphysics, derived from its etymological roots, encompasses the exploration of the essence of things that surpass the realm of physics. As a branch of philosophy, metaphysics delves into the realities that extend beyond the physical world. It surpasses the boundaries of the physical nature of things and delves into the very existence of things. In essence, metaphysics serves as the core and pinnacle of philosophy. It can be defined as the study of the fundamental cause and the primary and universal principles of reality. By examining reality, metaphysics seeks to uncover its ultimate causes in an absolute sense, focusing on their existence and offering a comprehensive understanding of all that exists.
Metaphysics consists of two main sections: firstly, it reveals the interconnectedness of all beings, highlighting their shared participation in existence while maintaining their distinct individuality. Secondly, metaphysics demonstrates that finite beings are incapable of self-sufficiency or self-explanation. They cannot provide a coherent account of their own existence, thus necessitating a self-sufficient “First Cause”.
As God serves as the ultimate cause of all things, He becomes a central subject of metaphysical inquiry. Serving as the foundational science, metaphysics aims to comprehend the entirety of reality and all beings by examining the universal properties, laws, and ultimate causes of existence itself. Metaphysics is the study of “being as being”, encompassing its properties and causes, leaving no aspect of existence untouched by its comprehensive exploration.
The Greek philosophers embarked on their studies by examining the essence of things, delving into the intricacies of specific types of entities. However, in the realm of metaphysics, the focus shifts from the particular nature of beings, such as those that move or possess life, to their existence in its purest form. The aim is not defining what these beings are, but rather acknowledging their existence.
Metaphysics encompasses the comprehensive study of reality, honing in on the most fundamental aspect that unifies everything: the fact that everything “is” and is undeniably “real”. The subject matter of metaphysics encompasses all forms of being, including God, angels, substance, accidents, real being, possible being, and rational being. Additionally, metaphysics grapples with profound inquiries such as the relationship between the mind and matter, the nature of change, the essence of freedom, and more.

Epistemological Issues

Epistemology, a branch of philosophy, focuses on the problem of knowledge by exploring its origin, structure, methods, and validity. It aims to answer the fundamental question of “How do we know?” It probes various aspects such as the possibility of knowledge, certainty of our knowledge, and the process of acquiring knowledge. This field of study examines the nature of human knowledge and the means by which it can be attained. Human knowledge is a multifaceted process that involves numerous activities including perception, inquiry, imagination, understanding, reflection, intuition, and judgment. It is through the combination of these activities that we gain knowledge. In essence, human knowledge encompasses three main activities: experiencing, understanding, and judging, which collectively form the framework of our knowledge.

Ethical Considerations

Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is the study of human character and conduct. It examines the principles and standards that govern human behavior. In different eras and societies, actions were considered morally good or bad based on their alignment with customs and traditions. Ethics is concerned with guiding individuals on how to live in accordance with their true nature and values.
It is a distinct field of study, separate from other sciences. It emphasizes that all individuals should act in a manner consistent with their rational nature, regardless of the circumstances. Ethics not only analyzes human actions but also aims to direct them towards their ultimate purpose or end. It goes beyond contemplation and applies knowledge to ensure that individuals act morally upright. By studying human acts from a moral perspective, ethics determine their moral goodness or badness.

Logical Questions

Logic is the systematic exploration of the fundamental structures of sound reasoning and valid arguments. It encompasses the examination of the methods and principles utilized to differentiate between good (correct) and bad (incorrect) reasoning. By providing us with criteria for evaluating the correctness of reasoning, logic equips us with the tools to assess arguments. Moreover, logic delves into the functioning of the mind in formulating valid arguments and establishes the criteria for their validity.
It is important to note that logic can be categorized into two types: deductive and inductive. Deduction involves reasoning from the universal to the particular, relying solely on pure reasoning. On the other hand, induction draws upon experience and observation to reason from the particular to the universal. In a deductive argument, the premises are claimed to provide conclusive grounds for the conclusion. Conversely, an inductive argument asserts that the premises offer some evidence for the conclusion.

Anthropological expressions

During the modern and contemporary period, the “human being” emerged as the central focus of philosophy. Our world is anthropocentric, with human beings regarded as the center, pinnacle, and standard for everything. Anthropology, as a discipline, delves into the study of man in his entirety – his origins, nature, the meaning of life, and his ultimate destiny. It explores all aspects of human existence, seeking to understand what defines us as human beings, our fundamental nature, and our inherent qualities and potentials.
Through this exploration, anthropology aims to uncover profound insights and convictions about the nature of man. It tackles the vital and significant questions that directly affect our own existence, such as “Who am I?”, “Why do I exist in this world?”, and “What is my ultimate destination?” In essence, anthropology serves as a platform for man to inquire about his true essence and purpose.

Aesthetical glimpses

Aesthetics is concerned with the concept of beauty or the beautiful, particularly in relation to art, as well as the principles and criteria used to evaluate art. It encompasses the examination of artworks, the creative process, and the subjective experience of art. Philosophers specializing in art delve into the essence and purpose of art, as well as the nature of the artistic encounter. They also explore the inquiry of whether these qualities are inherently present in objects or solely exist within the perception of the individual.

Religious studies

Philosophy of religion involves the application of philosophical methods to reflect upon and analyze religion. It addresses fundamental issues concerning our belief in God and explores the origins, nature, and purpose of religion. The primary objective of “Philosophy of Religion” is to elucidate, using its own language and appealing to the rational and intellectual aspects of humanity, the beliefs, truths, experiences, and principles of religion.
Its ultimate goal is to provide a valuable service to religion by critically examining and refining religious beliefs, distinguishing between essential and incidental elements of faith. Furthermore, it articulates a genuine understanding of God, humanity, and the universe. By freeing religion from mere religiosity, which entails an excessive focus on external religious practices, “Philosophy of Religion” makes religious faith comprehensible and empowers individuals to live a life characterized by selfless love, truthfulness, justice, tolerance, and forgiveness.

Scientific notions

The field of philosophy of nature focuses on examining the essence of the external world and material reality. Its main inquiry revolves around the extent to which physical objects align with our sensory experiences. A significant aspect of philosophy of nature involves understanding how we acquire knowledge about the structures of the world. This aspect is explored through philosophy of science, which critically evaluates the methodologies employed to comprehend physical reality. It delves into the analysis of scientific methods, assessing both their strengths and limitations.