The Secret Codes of the Mind: Introduction to Philosophy (Book I) (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9798998901201)

The Secret Codes of the Mind: Introduction to Philosophy (Revised Academic Edition) systematically introduces fundamental philosophical concepts and methods essential for academic study. Volume One, the first in a structured six-volume series, provides a comprehensive foundation through well-defined lectures, each enriched with targeted discussions and exercises specifically designed for university courses.

Lecture 1: Definition of Philosophy, Main Branches, Concepts, and Their Practical Application

Defines philosophy and explains the origin of the term. The lecture emphasizes philosophy's role in analyzing fundamental issues related to existence, knowledge, morality, and society, highlighting its importance in developing critical thinking. It explores philosophy's central question: "What is primary-being or consciousness?" and then clearly outlines major branches:

• Metaphysics: reality, existence, causality.
• Epistemology: knowledge, justification, truth; rationalism, empiricism, skepticism, constructivism.
• Ethics: morality, virtue, justice, responsibility; deontology, consequentialism, virtue ethics, applied ethics.
• Aesthetics: beauty, artistic expression, interpretation.
• Logic: principles of reasoning, argumentation.
• Political Philosophy: justice, power, rights, social contract, contemporary governance.

Lecture 2: Philosophical Methods

Introduces and defines key philosophical methods used to investigate reality and meaning: dialectical, metaphysical, hermeneutic, analytical, deductive, empirical, phenomenological, materialist, idealist, rationalist, critical, existential, pragmatic, historical-philosophical, dialogical, and deconstructivist approaches. Each method is clearly explained, emphasizing its practical significance in philosophical inquiry.

Lecture 3: Core Philosophical Categories

Examines foundational philosophical categories including being, causality, truth, unity, and diversity. It provides detailed analyses of Aristotle's metaphysics, Kant's epistemological categories, Hegel's dialectics, and Peirce's pragmatism, situating each within historical and philosophical contexts.

Lecture 4: Consciousness, Matter, Space, and Time

Examines significant philosophical questions regarding consciousness, matter, and theories of space and time, tracing historical evolution from classical to contemporary thought (Aristotle, Augustine, Einstein, Bergson, Heidegger).

Lecture 5: Philosophy of Freedom

Discusses free will, determinism, and contemporary social issues including freedom of speech and civil liberties, examining classical and modern philosophical perspectives (Augustine, Spinoza, Kant).

Each lecture includes precise historical contexts, clear explanations of key ideas, focused discussion questions, practical exercises, and recommended readings carefully selected to enhance academic understanding and critical thinking skills.

The Secret Codes of the Mind: Introduction to Philosophy (Volume One), provides students with a rigorous and engaging introduction to philosophy, specifically structured for effective learning and scholarly development in higher education.