20th Century Philosophy Seminar - Study Notes
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Questions and Answers

Analytic philosophy is a term that began to dominate English-speaking countries in the ______ century.

20th

Elizabeth Anscombe is a famous British ______ philosopher known for her work in moral and political philosophy.

analytic

Bertrand Russell won the Nobel Prize in Literature in ______.

1950

Russell argued that philosophy is a necessary study that complements ______.

<p>science</p> Signup and view all the answers

In her most well-known paper, Anscombe opposed Truman's use of the atomic ______.

<p>bomb</p> Signup and view all the answers

Russell's classification of knowledge is defined as a 'belief which is in agreement with the ______.'

<p>facts</p> Signup and view all the answers

Russell's work often prompts readers to think critically about the ______ and limitations of knowledge.

<p>origins</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hannah Arendt's book, 'The Origins of ______', explains how totalitarian movements are possible.

<p>Totalitarianism</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ludwig Wittgenstein's 'Philosophical Investigations' focuses on the concept of ______ and its role in communication.

<p>Language</p> Signup and view all the answers

The notion of 'woman' as defined by some feminist theory implies systematic ______ along various dimensions.

<p>subordination</p> Signup and view all the answers

Logical ______ is a philosophy that combines empiricism with rationalism and logical constructs.

<p>positivism</p> Signup and view all the answers

Catherine Wilson wrote about the intersection of feminism and ______.

<p>pragmatism</p> Signup and view all the answers

Deviant logic is used to describe logics based on ______, implying vagueness in true and false.

<p>vagueness</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fuzzy logic refers to any logic dealing with ______, where truth values are not just true or false.

<p>vagueness</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fred Dretske's work explores the relationship between ______, knowledge, and belief.

<p>perception</p> Signup and view all the answers

Martin Heidegger's book 'On Time and ______' delves into fundamental existential themes.

<p>Being</p> Signup and view all the answers

Neopragmatism is often seen as a postmodern version of ______, challenging previous philosophical paradigms.

<p>pragmatism</p> Signup and view all the answers

The first problem with civilized society addressed by Matthew is the mastery of ______.

<p>natural forces</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Bertrand Russell's view, ethics are hindered by a desire for ______ and simplicity.

<p>system</p> Signup and view all the answers

Russell's theory states that truth consists in the ______ of our statements with the facts.

<p>correspondence</p> Signup and view all the answers

George Grant is known for his critique of ______ technological progress.

<p>limitless</p> Signup and view all the answers

Harold Innis emphasized that the relative stability of cultures depends on the balance of ______ media.

<p>communication</p> Signup and view all the answers

Innis characterizes speech as a ______-biased medium.

<p>time</p> Signup and view all the answers

The second problem that Russell identifies in ethics is the dread of ______ which are felt to be immoral.

<p>consequences</p> Signup and view all the answers

For Iqbal, a key aspect of his philosophy is the concept of ______, which emphasizes selfhood.

<p>khudi</p> Signup and view all the answers

Edmund Gettier challenges the traditional notion of ______ true belief.

<p>justified</p> Signup and view all the answers

The second theory of truth presented by Russell states that truth is the property of ______.

<p>facts</p> Signup and view all the answers

Marshall McLuhan is famous for his assertion that ______ is the message.

<p>medium</p> Signup and view all the answers

Grant's political philosophy emphasizes community, equality, and ______.

<p>justice</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Russell, philosophy is often overshadowed by ______ when definitive answers are found.

<p>science</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Innis's view, space-biased media are characterized as light and ______.

<p>portable</p> Signup and view all the answers

Iqbal believes that misunderstanding knowledge can lead to ______ and corruption in society.

<p>injustice</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a central thesis of Bertrand Russell's philosophy regarding the study of knowledge?

<p>Philosophy is crucial for understanding knowledge and complements scientific study. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What argument is made by Elizabeth Anscombe concerning the moral implications of warfare?

<p>Human society is essential to achieving human good, opposing the killing of innocents. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Bertrand Russell characterize the definition of knowledge?

<p>As an agreement between belief and external facts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception does Anscombe challenge in her discourse on morality?

<p>That morality can exist without societal context. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects Bertrand Russell's viewpoint on the value of philosophy?

<p>Philosophy is vital for questioning and understanding our knowledge. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In her paper, what does Elizabeth Anscombe emphasize regarding the consequences of modern warfare?

<p>Human lives should not be sacrificed for political goals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Russell imply is a limitation of defining knowledge purely in terms of belief?

<p>The agreement between belief and facts is often unclear. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Bertrand Russell, what role should knowledge play in relation to philosophy?

<p>Knowledge must be pursued through both philosophical inquiry and scientific methods. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central concept defined in feminist theory regarding the notion of 'woman'?

<p>Women are systematically subordinated along various dimensions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of logical positivism?

<p>It combines empiricism with elements of rationalism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which argument is primarily associated with Ludwig Wittgenstein's work?

<p>Language serves as a tool for builders in practical tasks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In 'The Origins of Totalitarianism', what does Hannah Arendt suggest is a driving force behind totalitarian movements?

<p>The politically indifferent masses who lack articulated goals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Neopragmatism challenges which philosophical notion?

<p>The existence of universal truths. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Catherine Wilson addresses the relationship between feminism and which philosophical area?

<p>Pragmatism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does fuzzy logic primarily address?

<p>The vagueness inherent in logical evaluations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of historical contextualism in logic is emphasized by Rose Rand?

<p>The influence of social factors on the development of logic. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Susan Haack's notion of 'deviant logic' involve?

<p>The acknowledgment of multiple logical systems that accommodate vagueness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does John Dewey's philosophy relate to societal reconstruction?

<p>It promotes progressive change in philosophical thought. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bertrand Russell identify as a critical problem in ethics?

<p>Desire for system and simplicity combined with logical confusion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of Innis's theory regarding communication media?

<p>Semantic-biased media (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bertrand Russell's second theory of truth posits that truth is based on what?

<p>The property of facts that exist independently of belief (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of philosophical inquiry does George Grant critique?

<p>Limitless technological progress and its socio-political implications (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Iqbal, which concept forms a foundation for his philosophy?

<p>Khudi or selfhood (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the identified 'three evils' according to Russell's exploration of ethics?

<p>Admiration of what is evil or ugly, hatred of what is good, and consciousness of great pain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes media that aids in the organization and control of information over time?

<p>Time-biased media (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the scientific method in philosophy according to Russell?

<p>It provides a framework for empirical validation of ideas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher emphasizes the significance of communication technologies in relation to cultural stability?

<p>Harold Innis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Russell propose we understand truth in the coherence theory?

<p>As a function of how well statements fit together as a whole (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Gettier's work focus on regarding knowledge?

<p>Conditions under which true belief can be considered knowledge (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does McLuhan emphasize regarding media?

<p>The medium is more significant than the message it carries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Iqbal's stance on knowledge in relation to religious and scientific teachings?

<p>Misunderstanding leads to justification of injustice and corruption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Analytic Philosophy

A style of philosophy that became dominant in English-speaking countries during the 20th century.

Elizabeth Anscombe

A British analytic philosopher known for her work in moral and political philosophy, notably opposing the atomic bomb.

Modern Moral Philosophy

A philosophical work by Elizabeth Anscombe arguing against the use of atomic weapons, emphasizing human society for human good.

Bertrand Russell

A significant 20th-century philosopher, mathematician, and social critic.

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Problems of Philosophy

A work by Bertrand Russell arguing for the importance of philosophy as a means to knowledge.

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Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Bertrand Russell's view of knowledge as a product of doubt and questioning.

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20th Century Philosophy Seminar

A seminar dedicated to discussing philosophical topics from the 20th century.

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Evaluated Philosophical Discussion

A discussion that involves a critical assessment of philosophical arguments.

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Susan Okin's definition of 'woman'

Someone systematically subordinated (economically, politically, legally, socially, etc.) and marked as a target for this treatment due to perceived biological features related to reproduction.

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Fuzzy Logic

Logic systems that deal with vagueness in terms of truth and falsehood.

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Logical Positivism

A philosophy that believes observational evidence is crucial for knowledge, using logic and language to understand it.

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Historical Contextual Approach to Logic

A view on logic that considers social and historical factors in its development.

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Wittgenstein's Language Use Example

A builder and assistant use language for communication in a construction setting (blocks, pillars, etc.).

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Neopragmatism

Postmodern pragmatism that rejects universal truth and foundationalism in knowledge and objectivity.

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Totalitarian Movements

Political groups that aim for complete control over all aspects of life in a society.

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Arendt's insight on totalitarianism

Explains how large groups lacking a defined common interest can lead to totalitarian government.

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Philosophy's impact on history perception

How philosophical ideas shape our understanding and interpretation of past events.

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Ethics vs. Morals

Ethics are principles of right conduct, Morals are individual beliefs about right and wrong.

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Philosophy for Laymen's Two Problems

Mastering natural forces (solved by science) and utilizing our control over nature (which science can't answer).

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Ethics Problems (Russell)

A desire for simple systems (logic mistakes) and a fear of bad consequences (immoral).

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Three Theories of Truth (Russell)

Correspondence (statements match facts), Truth as a property of Facts, Coherence (viewing the whole picture).

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Time-Biased Media (Innis)

Communication methods that emphasise duration over distance, often linked to social hierarchy.

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Space-Biased Media (Innis)

Portable methods that facilitate vast distances; often linked to expansionism and empire.

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Gettier Problem

Justified true belief, but it may not be knowledge.

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Epistemology

Branch of philosophy that studies knowledge

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Iqbal's philosophy

Philosophy of 'khudi' (selfhood) and rejects the 'fall' idea for human life on Earth.

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Justified True Belief

A belief that is supported by reasons (justified), is true, and the believer is convinced of its correctness.

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Scientific Method in Philosophy

Applying scientific methods to philosophical inquiries

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Correspondence Theory of Truth

Truth is based on statements matching reality

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Truth

The quality of being in accordance with fact or reality

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George Grant's Thesis

Critical analysis of technology's effect on society. Grant's focus is on community, equality, justice, and the effects of limitless technological advancement.

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Innis' Thesis

Communication media biases societies. Stability depends on balancing communication methods.

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McLuhan's Thesis

Medium is the message; the form of communication is more influential than the content.

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Elizabeth Anscombe's Argument

She argued against Truman's use of the atomic bomb, stating that human society is crucial for human good.

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Bertrand Russell's Philosophy

He emphasized the value of philosophy, advocating for its role in the pursuit of knowledge and its complementary relationship with science.

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Bertrand Russell's Theory of Knowledge

He argued that knowledge is a product of doubt, questioning the definition of knowledge itself.

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Origins, Purpose, Values, Limitations (OPVL)

A framework used to analyze documents by considering their origins, purpose, values, and limitations.

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What is the relationship between philosophy and science?

Philosophy explores the underlying principles of science, while science uses its methods to uncover and understand the natural world.

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Why is philosophy important?

Philosophy helps us question assumptions, seek truth, and develop critical thinking skills, which are valuable in all aspects of life.

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What is the role of doubt in gaining knowledge?

Doubting existing beliefs leads to questioning, research, and ultimately a deeper understanding of the world.

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Susan Moller Okin's Definition of 'Woman'

Okin defines 'woman' as someone systematically disadvantaged in various areas (economics, politics, law, society, etc.) due to perceived biological features linked to reproduction.

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Wittgenstein's Language Game

Wittgenstein illustrates how language functions through a simple example of communication between a builder and assistant who use terms like 'block', 'pillar', etc.

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Arendt on Totalitarianism

Arendt explains how totalitarian movements can emerge when large, unorganized masses with undefined goals become politically active.

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Impact of Philosophy on History Perception

Philosophical ideas influence how we understand and interpret past events, shaping our view of history.

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Philosophy's Influence on Belief and Ethics

This explores how beliefs impact daily life, the pursuit of knowledge, historical narratives, and ethical reasoning.

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Two Problems of Civilized Society

As Bertrand Russell argues, civilized society faces two main challenges: mastering natural forces and ethically using that mastery.

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Philosophy's Role in Progress

Russell points out that the relationship between philosophy and science is dynamic: philosophy often tackles initially vague questions, which science later refines and provides definitive answers.

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Ethics: Seeking 'Good'

Russell identifies a fundamental challenge in ethics: defining 'good' itself remains a complex and debated issue.

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Three Evils in Ethics

According to Russell, these three evils threaten ethical progress: admiring what is bad, hating what is good, and enduring great pain.

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Truth as a Property of Facts

Russell argues that truth resides in the facts themselves, independent of human belief or perception.

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Coherence Theory of Truth

This theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of truth, viewing a complete understanding as a coherent whole.

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George Grant's Concern

Grant, a Canadian philosopher, was critical of the social and political impact of unchecked technological advancement.

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Harold Innis' Communication Media Theory

Innis believed that the balance and type of communication media used influence a society's stability and development.

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Time-Biased Media

Innis argued that media emphasizing duration over distance, like speech, often fosters social hierarchies.

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Space-Biased Media

Media supporting expansion and communication over vast distances, such as writing, are associated with empires and secular societies.

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Marshall McLuhan's 'Medium is the Message'

McLuhan argued that the form of communication, the medium, is as important as the content itself, influencing how we perceive and interact with information.

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Iqbal's Philosophy of 'Khudi'

Iqbal, a Muslim philosopher, advocated for the philosophy of 'khudi' or selfhood, rejecting the idea of a 'fall' from grace and emphasizing human potential on Earth.

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Study Notes

20th Century Philosophy Seminar - Study Notes

  • Analytic Philosophy: A dominant philosophical style in English-speaking countries during the 20th century. A specific style of philosophy that dominated England and other English-speaking countries during the 20th century.

  • Elizabeth Anscombe (MMP): A British analytic philosopher. Argued against the morality of the atomic bomb, asserting that human society is critical to human well-being. Known for "Modern Moral Philosophy."

  • Bertrand Russell (Problems of Philosophy): A prominent philosopher, mathematician, and social critic. Advocated for the necessity of philosophy as a pursuit of knowledge, complementing science.

  • Bertrand Russell (Theory of Knowledge): Defined knowledge as a belief aligned with facts, but recognized the difficulty in defining 'belief,' 'fact', and the agreement between them for truth. The definition of knowledge is problematic.

  • Bertrand Russell (Philosophy for Laymen): Highlighted two societal challenges: mastering natural forces (resolved through science) and utilizing this mastery optimally, needing philosophical insight beyond science. Two problems of civilised society; mastering natural forces and then best utilising this.

  • Bertrand Russell (The Meaning of Good): Discussed problems in ethical reasoning, citing systemic simplification and fear of immoral consequences. Emphasized difficulty in defining good, and suggested possible sources in natural objects and pleasure. Ethics suffer from the desire for system and simplicity, fear of immoral consequences.

  • Bertrand Russell (What is Truth): Proposed three truth theories: correspondence (agreement with facts), property (facts are truth regardless of belief), and coherence (understanding the truth as a whole concept). Three theories on nature of truth.

  • Bertrand Russell (On Scientific Method in Philosophy): Attempted to align philosophy with the scientific method. Scientific method in philosophy.

  • George Grant (Nietzsche and the Ancients): Known for Canadian nationalism, conservatism, and critique of technology's societal impact. Associated time with an eternal order illuminated by love. Known for Canadian nationalism and conservatism.

  • George Grant (Philosophy in the Mass Age): No specific thesis provided in the text.

  • Harold Innis (The Bias of Communications): Focuses on communication technologies' influence on societies & culture, with a bias either towards time or space, and their influence on social hierarchy & expansion of power. Stability of cultures depends on balance and proportion of their media. Three basic questions are posed: How do specific communication technologies operate? What assumptions do they take from and contribute to society? What forms of power do they encourage?

  • Marshall McLuhan (The Medium is the Message): No specific thesis provided in the text.

  • Muhammad Iqbal (Epistemology): Discussed the reconstruction of religious thought, particularly focusing on epistemology within Islamic teachings to address social problems and avoid misinterpretations of religion/science. Muslims are facing serious social problems, and the understanding of knowledge seems to be against Islamic teachings. His reconstruction of religious thought stands on three main pillars; metaphysics, epistemology, and law.

  • Edmund Gettier (Is Justified True Belief Knowledge?): Introduced a paradigm for justified true belief, laying out the conditions of true belief for knowledge. Conditions for a belief to be justified.

  • Sally Haslanger (Resisting Reality): Developed a definition of "woman" based on systematic subordination due to perceived bodily features. Her work focused on persistence through change, objective/subjectivity, and a theory of gender. Definition of 'woman' based on systematic subordination by observed or imagined bodily features.

  • Fred Dretske (Perception, Knowledge, and Belief Selected Essays): No specific thesis provided in the text.

  • Susan Haack (Deviant Logic): Investigated fuzzy logic as a logic of vagueness, exploring its relationship to and divergence from traditional logics. Investigated fuzzy logic.

  • Rose Rand (A Woman in Logic): Explored how social factors influence the development of logic, including contributions from women and historical interpretations of scientific developments. Historical contextual approach to logic takes social factors into account.

  • Ludwig Wittgenstein (Philosophical Investigations): Proposed a language-based model where language serves communication by defining and categorizing building materials. Language serves communication.

  • John Dewey (Reconstruction in Philosophy): No specific thesis provided in the text.

  • Martin Heidegger (On Time and Being): No specific thesis provided in the text.

  • Hannah Arendt (The Origins of Totalitarianism): Explains how totalitarian movements can form by assessing politically indifferent masses as a key component. Totalitarian movements are possible where masses lack consciousness of common interest. Politically indifferent masses do not matter.

  • Catherine Wilson (Feminism and Pragmatism): No specific thesis provided in the text.

Seminar Topics - Study Questions

  • Relevance today: How do these 20th-century philosophers’ ideas apply to current social and political issues? How do their ideas apply today?

  • Comparison/Contrast: What are the similarities and differences between various schools of thought? What are the differences and similarities between different schools?

  • Most appealing idea: Which philosophical concept resonates with you the most, and why? What philosophy ideas resonate most with you?

  • Determining truth: How can we validate assertions and evaluate knowledge claims? How can we validate and evaluate knowledge claims concerning truth?

  • Philosophy's impact on history: How does philosophical thought shape our understanding of past events? How does philosophy shape our understanding of past events?

  • Ethics vs. morals: What differentiates between the two terms, and what are their interrelations (if any)? What are the differences between ethics and morals and how are they related, if at all?

  • Belief's impact: How does belief influence life decisions, knowledge acquisition, the recording of history, and ethics? How does belief influence different areas?

  • Interpretations and ethics: How do interpretations of historical occurrences affect our moral and ethical reasoning? How do interpretations of history impact moral and ethical reasoning?

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Explore the key concepts and figures of 20th century philosophy through this seminar study guide. Delve into the works of analytic philosophers like Elizabeth Anscombe and Bertrand Russell, and their critiques on morality, knowledge, and the role of philosophy in society. Gain insights into the philosophical challenges posed by modern advancements.

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