Chapter 1 of "Introduction to Philosophy" delves into the philosophical method, which is the use of rationality and critical thinking to uncover answers about reality, morality, and knowledge. Everyone, including myself, has used this method to question their beliefs and understand the world around them. It is a fundamental tool in philosophy and can be utilized by anyone.

As for my personal philosophy of life, I prioritize being ethical and having free will. I believe that everyone should have the freedom to do what they want, as long as it doesn't cause harm to others. Ethics can be a complex topic, but I try to avoid causing harm to anyone's physical or mental state. These beliefs bring positivity and happiness to my life.

The practical benefit of philosophy is that it helps individuals improve their lives by shaping their personal philosophy. As I continue to learn more about philosophy, I may discover beliefs that are fallacies, causing me to rethink my fundamental values and goals. It is necessary to eliminate any misconceptions and biases to achieve a better perspective and a more fulfilling life.

Through philosophy, individuals can challenge the cultural values and ideas that they have inherited, leading to personal growth and development. It is imperative to question everything, even our own beliefs, in pursuit of a better understanding of the world. For instance, in my journey to be more ethical, I may realize that my actions are causing harm to others. Being open to criticism and willing to learn from mistakes is vital in becoming a better person.

While ethics and axiology are fascinating branches of philosophy, I find metaphysics to be the most intriguing. As a computer engineering major, I have been exposed to high-level mathematics, which often relies on approximations rather than exact solutions. This has spurred my interest in the question of whether an exact, 100% factual solution is possible. I wonder if there is a spiritual realm beyond the material world that exists.

Overall, Chapter 1 of "Introduction to Philosophy" has shed light on the importance of the philosophical method and the benefits of questioning our beliefs and values. Through philosophy, individuals can enhance their personal freedom, expand their horizons, and improve their lives.

2. In modern consumer societies, Socrates would have significant criticism to offer. While Socrates pursued knowledge, many people today spend their lives chasing after money and material possessions as a temporary solution to cope with their sadness and grief. Socrates would most likely point out this flawed judgment and advise them to pursue knowledge to gain a deeper understanding of themselves.

3. Socrates is widely considered the greatest philosophers as he always stood by his principles, even when faced with death. He refused to flee when given the opportunity, believing it was unfair to deny people the chance to live an unexamined life. Due to his non-hypocritical teachings, my belief in Socrates's philosophy is firmly planted.

4. During a conversation with a friend who claims that everyone lies all the time, I asked if they have ever told the truth, to which they admitted to having done so. I pointed out that, as they have told the truth at least once, they are contradicting their statement. Further, I questioned if it is possible for others to have reasons for lying. The conclusion is that lying is not always the norm in society.

5. In a debate on whether courtesy is a cynical attempt to serve one’s interests, Character 2 points out that everyone might have shown courtesy to someone like their mother without the expectation of anything in return. If respect has anything to do with courtesy, they then question whether Character 1 would show courtesy to someone they do not respect. The exchange shows that respect and courtesy can coexist, and the justification that they never do is incorrect.

Probing Question

Socrates's quote "the unexamined life is not worth living" emphasizes the importance of self-reflection in scrutinizing life's core beliefs and ideas. Socrates's role as a city's intellectual gadfly was aligned with this belief as he challenged people's faulty beliefs to lead them towards self-realization. However, despite this, many still sentenced him to death. If they questioned the masses deeply and critically, they would most likely conclude that Socrates did nothing wrong.

2. There have been numerous individuals in society who have been subjected to mistreatment for expressing their ideas, which were deemed unacceptable by society. People belonging to religious groups that differ from the country of their origin, as well as other philosophers, have suffered due to their ideas. Personally, I believe that no society can rightfully punish individuals for expressing their thoughts, particularly if they do not incite violence or malice.

3. At present, I am uncertain if I possess any principles that I would be willing to risk my life for. I am still contemplating my purpose in life and am uncertain about my future course of action. Despite considering various fields of study and even switching majors once, I am yet to discover my true calling. However, I may contemplate sacrificing my life for my principles once I have found my purpose in life.

Works Cited:

Vaughn, Lewis. Philosophy Here and Now: Powerful Ideas in Everyday Life. Oxford University Press, 2021.