Assignment On What Is Philosophy

SECTION 1
1.1. The term “Sophist” is defined as “wise person” and so it was concluded that
Sophistry is the ‘art’ of manipulation. Sophists believe that morality is relative.
They believe that there are no moral facts but a set of beliefs that people in a
society will agree with during the course of their lives. Sophists use persuasive
arguments, not as experts, but rather to manipulate other people into believing
that everything they say is true and just.
Philosophy is derived from Greek words, which literally mean “Love of wisdom”. It
refers to those people who want to learn and know the truth rather than to be
manipulated into false belief. Philosophers use science, ethics, theology and
other facts to attain knowledge and debate in a rational way.
1.2. Philosophy is the foundation of critical thinking. Alexander Leivesley in the
Huffington Post stated that Philosophy is not obsolete. Philosophy brings the
important questions the table and works towards an answer. It is the foundation
of all knowledge.
Philosophy has helped me to solve my problems: real and abstract. It has helped
me to make calculated decisions by developing my thinking. It has helped me to
form a crucial thinking skill set that can be applied in both the academic and
personal context. e.g. putting together a convincing argument for or against a
given statement in an assignment or paper, or, decide which problems are crucial
in daily life such as whether or not a certain life is worth leading or not. Without
philosophy, I would fail to think deeper into a lot of things in my life and be unable
to separate facts from opinion.
1.3. Plato’s “Allegory of The Cave” is a concept that was created by the philosopher
Plato to reflect on the nature of belief vs. knowledge. The Allegory tells us that
there are prisoners who have been chained together in a cave since they were
children. There is a fire behind the chained prisoners and between them and the
fire are people who continuously walk back and forth holding different objects
and puppets. These objects and puppets cast shadows on the other side of the
wall, which the prisoners see on a daily basis. The prisoners have watched them
all their lives and believe that they are the only thing that is real. Plato suggests
that should one of the prisoners be freed to go out of the cave, he would be
blinded by the sunlight and realize that the outside world is far more different
than the inside he was confined to all his life when he returns.
Symbolism and relation with the political system in South African politics: