A Philosopher’s View
Philosophy
Philosophy is the investigation of fundamental issues by rational argument.It’s defined by:
Its subject matter: any fundamental issue;
Its method: the use of the tools of logic to evaluate theses and arguments;
Its mindset: skepticism.
Logic
Logic is the study of the principles and methods of valid reasoning.
Skepticism
Practical Skepticism is the disposition to believe based only on the evidence and arguments. Philosophic Skepticism , by contrast, is the doctrine that there’s no rational basis for believing much of what we think we know.
Probability
The mathematical theory of probability is well-developed. But the nature of probability remains a matter of debate.
Statistics
Statistics is the branch of mathematics dealing with presenting, summarizing, and making inferences from data.
Though essential to the social sciences, there is fundamental disagreement about the nature of statistical inference, between Bayesians and Frequentists.
Scientific Theories
A scientific theory is (i) designed to explain certain kinds of phenomena, (ii) defined by its postulates, and (iii) supported or disproved by its predictions.
Big Bang , Electromagnetism , Energy , Evolution , General Relativity , Global Warming , Mendel’s Heredity , Newton’s Gravitation , Plate Tectonics , Quantum Mechanics , Special Relativity , Thermodynamics .
Epistemology
Epistemology is the theory of knowledge and rational belief.
Metaphysics
Metaphysics is the investigation of basic questions about the nature of reality.
Ethics
Ethics is the normative and conceptual inquiry into right and wrong, good and bad, and what ought to be.
Political Philosophy
Political philosophy is the normative and conceptual inquiry into forms of government.
A Philosopher's View 