Subject Introduction
The Greek origin of the word “philosophy,” meaning “love of wisdom.”
Philo + Sophia
The point of view that considers all aspects—physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual.
Holistic point of view
The law that states “A thing is what it is.”
Law of Identity
The concept that the human person is both physical and spiritual.
Embodied spirit
A relationship where the environment is treated merely as an object for use, with no intrinsic value.
I-It relationship
The philosopher credited for first calling himself a “lover of wisdom.”
Pythagoras
The point of view that focuses on only one part or angle of a situation.
Partial point of view
The law that says a thing cannot be both true and false at the same time.
Law of Non-Contradiction
The non-material aspect of the human person, often associated with moral and inner life.
Spirit (or soul)
The kind of value that nature possesses simply because it exists, regardless of its usefulness to humans.
Intrinsic value
The basic question that often begins philosophical inquiry.
Why?
A field that often uses a partial point of view due to its focus on specific areas of knowledge.
Science (or specialized fields)
The law that says a statement must either be true or false, with no middle ground.
Law of the Excluded Middle
The idea that a person’s body reflects and expresses their inner self.
Embodiment
The philosopher who introduced the concepts of I-It and I-Thou relationships.
Martin Buber
A discipline that encourages questioning, reasoning, and reflection about life and reality.
Philosophy
A way of understanding people and problems that promotes balance and long-term solutions.
Holistic approach
A fallacy that uses popularity to prove something is correct.
Ad populum (or bandwagon)
The material aspect of the human person.
body
The ethical view that nature should be protected not only for human benefit but because it has rights of its own.
Environmental ethics
The branch of philosophy that studies reality and existence.
Metaphysics
A decision-making style that ignores emotional and social aspects in favor of limited factors.
Partial point of view
The importance of the laws of logic in ensuring consistency in thought and communication.
Logical consistency
A philosophical view that treats physical actions and emotions as expressions of the whole person.
Embodied spirit
The concept that emphasizes simplicity, care, and wise use of resources for the good of both people and the planet.
Frugality