Branches of Philosophy

2.1 Describe each of the major branches of philosophy.

• Epistemology deals with knowledge and questions of how we come to know what we know.
• Metaphysics is what we know.
• Axiology considers values and ethics.
• Logic examines the processes of deriving valid conclusions from basic principles.

2.2 Allie said, "I'm not doing my job if I don't get them to learn as much as possible." This comment best illustrates which branch of philosophy? Explain your answer.

• This comment best illustrates axiology. Teaching students as much as possible is a value and goal that Allie holds, and she believes that not fulfilling this means she isn't doing her job.

2.3 Two teachers are in a discussion, and one says, "Everything we know depends on experience. So, the key is providing lots of experiences in the classroom. If we provide them with enough experiences, they'll learn." To which branch of philosophy is this person's statement most closely related? Explain your answer.

• This statement is most closely related to epistemology. The teacher explains their view on how people come to learn everything they know.

2.4 "That doesn't quite make sense," a teacher diplomatically comments to a colleague. "You said that your kids are so unmotivated, but last week you said that kids basically want to learn.... Those two don't fit." To which of the branches of philosophy is this person's comment most closely related? Explain your answer.

• This comment is most closely related to logic. The teacher examined the conclusion proposed by their colleague and decided that it wasn't logically sound or valid.