Practical philosophy
The modern division of philosophy into theoretical philosophy and practical philosophy[1][2] has its origin in Aristotle's categories of natural philosophy and moral philosophy.[3] The one has theory for its object, and the other practice.[1]
Overview
In Sweden[4] and Finland courses in theoretical and practical philosophy are taught separately, and are separate degrees. Other countries may use a similar scheme—some Scottish universities, for example, divide philosophy into logic, metaphysics, and ethics—but in most universities around the world philosophy is taught as a single subject. There is also a unified philosophy subject in some Swedish universities, such as Södertörns Högskola.
Subjects of practical philosophy
Examples of practical philosophy subjects are:
- Ethics
- Aesthetics
- Decision theory
- Political philosophy
- Economic Development
These are some of the areas that philosophy can be applied.
Philosophical counseling
Practical philosophy is also the use of philosophy and philosophical techniques in everyday life. This can take a number of forms including reflective practice, personal philosophical thinking, and philosophical counseling.
Examples of philosophical counseling subjects include:
References
- Immanuel Kant, Lectures on Ethics, Cambridge University Press, 2001, p. 41 ("On Universal Practical Philosophy"). Original text: Immanuel Kant, Kant’s Gesammelte Schriften, Band XXVII – Moralphilosophie, 1. Hälfte, 1974, p. 243.
- Albert Schwegler, A History of Philosophy in Epitome, D. Appleton, 1877, p. 312.
- Aristotle, Metaphysics, Book 1.
- Department of Philosophy, Stockholm University