GST 2122 Philosophy and Logic

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Questions and Answers

What does the method of scepticism primarily focus on?

Citing reasons for finding an issue undecidable (correct)

Establishing absolute truths

Defining beauty in relation to judgment

Promoting a priori knowledge

Which statement best summarizes relativism?

Truth varies with the perspective of the individual. (correct)

All knowledge is derived from sensory experience.

Truth is absolute and unchanging.

Only rational thought leads to truth.

What does empiricism fundamentally reject?

Knowledge obtained through experience

The role of the senses in knowledge acquisition

The existence of innate ideas (correct)

Understanding achieved through rational thought

Which of the following is a characteristic of rationalism?

It relies heavily on religious intuition and divine perception. Signup and view all the answers

In what context can relativism be applied according to the content?

Global doctrine about all knowledge Signup and view all the answers

Logic as defined in the content serves what primary function?

Evaluating arguments systematically Signup and view all the answers

What major philosophical shift occurred within rationalism concerning a priori knowledge?

Its significance was minimized by philosophers. Signup and view all the answers

Which background factors does relativism consider in determining truth?

Cultural, historical, psychological, and social backgrounds Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of philosophy focuses specifically on the principles of valid reasoning?

Logic Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes valid arguments from invalid arguments?

The structure of reasoning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of critical thinking?

Making decisions based on assumptions Signup and view all the answers

In the context of informal fallacies, which option best represents a common mistake in reasoning?

Post hoc reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of philosophy is primarily concerned with the nature of knowledge and belief?

Epistemology Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reasoning involves drawing general conclusions from specific instances?

Induction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes creative thinking?

Generating new ideas and possibilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of philosophy in relation to human conduct?

To guide actions and ethical reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the process of critical thinking?

Identify the Problem Signup and view all the answers

Which component of critical thinking involves assessing the quality and reliability of information?

Evaluate Evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall goal of integrating creative and critical thinking?

Enhance cognitive abilities and effective problem-solving Signup and view all the answers

How does critical thinking aid in decision-making?

By providing a framework for making well-reasoned choices Signup and view all the answers

What aspect differentiates creative thinking from critical thinking?

Creative thinking involves generating ideas while critical thinking evaluates them Signup and view all the answers

Which political philosopher is NOT mentioned as an influence in political philosophy?

Friedrich Nietzsche Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of critical thinking in problem-solving?

To apply a logical approach in addressing challenges Signup and view all the answers

What does the study of politics primarily involve?

Activities related to collective community life Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of logic in philosophical inquiry?

To foster clarity and precision Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between logic and philosophy?

Both disciplines grow and evolve by influencing each other. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a syllogism?

An argument with two premises resulting in a conclusion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a hypothetical syllogism?

If it rains, the ground will be wet. It is raining. Therefore, the ground is wet. Signup and view all the answers

In a categorical syllogism, which form is typically used?

All A are B, some A are C, therefore some B are C. Signup and view all the answers

What type of reasoning is demonstrated by the statement 'If you can have my blessing, then you are worthy. But you are not worthy. Therefore, you cannot have my blessing.'?

Deductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

Which syllogism illustrates the use of disjunctive reasoning?

Either the cake is chocolate or vanilla. The cake is not vanilla. Therefore, it is chocolate. Signup and view all the answers

Why is logic considered an indispensable tool for philosophers?

It helps in detecting fallacies and ensures coherent reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the major premise in the example syllogism provided?

All humans are mortal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the minor premise in a categorical syllogism?

To connect a specific case to the general category. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of syllogisms, which of the following is an example of a disjunctive syllogism?

Either it is raining or it is sunny. Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the reasoning step that concludes from the premises in a syllogism?

Conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes symbolic logic?

Logic that employs symbols for relationships and operations. Signup and view all the answers

What would make a syllogism invalid?

Failing to follow rules of logical inference. Signup and view all the answers

If the major premise states 'All A are B' and the minor premise states 'C is A', what conclusion can logically be drawn?

C must be B. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of hypothetical syllogism?

If it is sunny, then it is warm. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Outcomes

Students will understand the fundamental aspects of philosophy as an academic discipline.
Ability to recognize the main branches of philosophy and the importance of logic in philosophical discussions.
Skills to analyze basic rules of reasoning and differentiate valid from invalid arguments.
Development of critical thinking abilities to assess arguments in various contexts.
Ability to evaluate the rationality of human actions under different existential conditions.
Capacity to apply logical expertise across various fields of knowledge.
Guidance for actions based on philosophical and logical knowledge.

Course Contents

Exploration of the scope, nature, definitions, branches, and problems within philosophy.
Logic is emphasized as essential for philosophical inquiry.
Study of syllogism elements and symbolic logic, focusing on the first nine rules of inference.
Understanding of informal fallacies and laws of thought.
Distinction between the logic of form and content, including deduction, induction, and inferences.
Integration of creative and critical thinking, including their definitions and processes.
Examination of philosophy’s influence on human existence, politics, conduct, religion, values, and character development.

Syllogism and Its Elements

A syllogism consists of two premises followed by a conclusion, used for deductive reasoning.
Types of syllogisms:
- Categorical syllogism (e.g., "All soldiers are patriots. No traitors are patriots. Therefore, no traitors are soldiers.")
- Conditional syllogism (modus tollens)
- Disjunctive syllogism
- Hypothetical syllogism
Components of a syllogism:
- Major Premise: A broad, universal statement (e.g., "All humans are mortal.")
- Minor Premise: A specific example (e.g., "Socrates is a human.")
- Conclusion: The logical deduction made from the premises (e.g., "Therefore, Socrates is mortal.")

Symbolic Logic

Symbolic logic employs symbols to express logical relationships and operations.
Develops skills in analytical thinking, objectivity, judgment, problem-solving, and inquisitiveness.

Process of Critical Thinking

Identifying problems clearly and gathering relevant information.
Evaluating evidence for reliability and considering alternative viewpoints.
Drawing conclusions based on reasoned analysis.

Application of Critical Thinking

Facilitates informed decision-making and effective problem-solving.
Useful in assessing the strength of arguments and viewpoints.

Integrating Creative and Critical Thinking

Effective thinkers balance both creative (generating ideas) and critical (evaluating information) thinking.
Synergy between creative thinking (idea generation) and critical thinking (assessment) enhances problem-solving.
Engaging in both fosters continuous learning and adaptability.

Impact of Philosophy on Human Existence

Political philosophy examines the role of governance and citizenship in societal life.
Key figures include Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, and Marx, focusing on the nature and limits of political power.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of philosophy as an academic discipline, including its main branches and the importance of logic. Students will engage with the basic rules of reasoning and learn to differentiate between valid and invalid arguments while developing critical thinking skills. Prepare to analyze and assess various arguments in philosophical texts.