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Questions and Answers
What did Socrates famously declare as a reflection of true wisdom?
What did Socrates famously declare as a reflection of true wisdom?
Which philosopher posited that the physical world is a reflection of a higher realm of Forms?
Which philosopher posited that the physical world is a reflection of a higher realm of Forms?
In the Allegory of the Cave, shadows represent __________.
In the Allegory of the Cave, shadows represent __________.
Which philosopher's philosophy suggests that reality is a product of the mind and its conceptual framework?
Which philosopher's philosophy suggests that reality is a product of the mind and its conceptual framework?
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What did Aristotle believe virtues to be?
What did Aristotle believe virtues to be?
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Immanuel Kant is considered the father of modern __________.
Immanuel Kant is considered the father of modern __________.
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What does Consequentialism evaluate in terms of actions?
What does Consequentialism evaluate in terms of actions?
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According to Ethical Egoism, individuals should prioritize:
According to Ethical Egoism, individuals should prioritize:
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What does Utilitarianism emphasize when judging actions?
What does Utilitarianism emphasize when judging actions?
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What does the term 'Eudaemonic' derive from?
What does the term 'Eudaemonic' derive from?
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Who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Western philosophy?
Who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Western philosophy?
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During which period did Socrates live in Athens, Greece?
During which period did Socrates live in Athens, Greece?
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Study Notes
Socrates
- Famous quote: "All I know is that I know nothing"
- Believed that genuine wisdom involves recognizing the limitations of one's knowledge and remaining open to learning and self-improvement
Plato
- Ancient Greek philosopher born around 427-428 B.C. in Athens, Greece
- Produced at least 25 philosophical writings
- One of the founders of Western philosophy
- Founded the Academy in Athens in 387 B.C.
- Believed that the physical world is merely a shadow or imperfect reflection of a higher, non-physical realm of Forms or Ideas
- Wrote "The Allegory of the Cave", symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and the transition from ignorance to wisdom
The Allegory of the Cave
- Prisoners are chained inside a dark cave, facing a wall, seeing only shadows cast by objects behind them
- Shadows represent the illusory world of sensory perception
- Highlights the importance of critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and the willingness to question conventional beliefs in the pursuit of wisdom
Aristotle
- Born in 384 BCE in Stagira, Macedonia
- Father was the physician of Amynthas III, king of Macedonia and grandfather of Alexander the Great
- Spent 20 years at the Academy, becoming one of Plato's most promising students
- Developed philosophical differences with Plato and departed from the Academy after Plato's death
- Believed in Realism, emphasizing the objective existence of truth and the importance of understanding and engaging with the external world
- Focused on the cultivation of virtues and the pursuit of eudaimonia (flourishing or well-being)
- Virtues are not innate but acquired through habituation and practice
Immanuel Kant
- German philosopher, mathematician, and physicist born in 1724 in Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia)
- Considered the father of modern ethics and one of the central Enlightenment thinkers
- Known in the era of the Age of Enlightenment, marked by intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge
Ethical Theories
- Consequentialism: evaluates morality based solely on outcomes or consequences, ignoring motives
- Ethical Egoism: asserts that individuals ought to act in their own self-interest and prioritize their own well-being above all else
- Utilitarianism: emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number of people, judging actions based on their ability to produce the most overall happiness or pleasure and minimize suffering
St. Augustine
- "Eudaemonic" derives from the Greek word "eudaimonia", referring to human flourishing, happiness, or well-being
- Believed in God-Centered Happiness, Virtue, and Moral Life, emphasizing Interiority and Peace of mind
- Distinguished between Temporal and Eternal Happiness
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Description
Explore the key concepts of consequentialism, ethical egoism, and utilitarianism in ethics. Understand how these theories evaluate actions based on outcomes, self-interest, and the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
