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Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers
What do the roots of the word 'Philosophy' signify?
What do the roots of the word 'Philosophy' signify?
- The pursuit of happiness
- The appreciation of wisdom (correct)
- The study of human nature
- The love of beauty and truth
What does the branch of metaphysics primarily explore?
What does the branch of metaphysics primarily explore?
- The power dynamics in governments
- The moral implications of actions
- The principles of valid reasoning
- The nature of reality and existence (correct)
Who is identified as a foremost thinker in epistemology?
Who is identified as a foremost thinker in epistemology?
- Immanuel Kant
- David Hume
- Karl Marx
- Rene DesCartes (correct)
What question does the field of ethics primarily investigate?
What question does the field of ethics primarily investigate?
What are rival theories characterized by?
What are rival theories characterized by?
Which of the following is NOT one of the four elements of developing a theory of human nature?
Which of the following is NOT one of the four elements of developing a theory of human nature?
What is a common defensive mechanism for a closed system of thinking?
What is a common defensive mechanism for a closed system of thinking?
What does political philosophy primarily examine?
What does political philosophy primarily examine?
Questions and Answers
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Flashcards
Flashcards
Philosophy
Philosophy
The study of wisdom, knowledge, and the fundamental nature of reality.
Metaphysics
Metaphysics
The branch of philosophy that investigates the nature of reality, existence, and being.
Epistemology
Epistemology
The theory of knowledge, exploring how we know what we know.
Ethics
Ethics
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Political Philosophy
Political Philosophy
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Logic
Logic
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Rival Theories
Rival Theories
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Elements of Human Nature Theory
Elements of Human Nature Theory
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Flashcards
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Study Notes
Study Notes
Introduction to Philosophy - Exam 1 Study Sheet
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Philosophy's Greek Origins: The word "philosophy" comes from the Greek words "philos" (love/admiration/appreciation) and "sophia" (wisdom). A "sophist" is a wise person or expert, sometimes a trickster.
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Metaphysics: The study of reality. It investigates what is apparent and what is real. Lavine describes it as the study of interaction between two entities, examining the mind and comparing to physics.
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Epistemology: The study of knowledge. Rene Descartes, a key figure in this branch, famously stated, "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"). This quote highlights the importance of introspection in gaining knowledge.
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Ethics, Political Philosophy, and Logic:
- Ethics: Seeks to define the highest good for human beings. It explores the existence of an absolute good.
- Political Philosophy: Examines the ideal forms of government and the principles justifying a government's power.
- Logic: Deals with reason and the meaning of things.
Rival Theories and Developing a Theory of Human Nature
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Rival Theories: Theories that oppose each other, sometimes contradicting one another directly; they contest the same ideas in philosophy.
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Four Elements of a Theory of Human Nature (Thirteen Theories):
- Background in Metaphysics: Understanding the universe and humanity's role in it.
- Theory of Human Nature: General claims about human beings and societal circumstances.
- Diagnosis of Human Defects: Identifying flaws or weaknesses in human nature.
- Prescription for Improvement: Suggestions on how to correct human flaws and improve societal circumstances
Closed Systems of Thinking and Criticism
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Defensive Mechanisms in Closed Systems:
- Rejecting evidence: Refusing to consider any contradictory evidence.
- Explaining away critique: Providing alternate explanations to avoid acknowledging criticisms.
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Responding to Criticism (Thirteen Theories): Stevenson argues that responding to criticism should focus on the merits of the argument and avoid addressing the critic's motivations. Critical discussion should be rational, open-ended, and focused on the ideas themselves.
Ideology and Commitment
- Ideology's Makeup: An ideology is a way of life. Some individuals resist questioning their ideology due to psychological distress or fear of losing their sense of purpose and identity.
- Challenging Commitment: Stevenson advocates for acknowledging commitment without avoiding engagement in critical thinking. Critiques are not attempts to make one abandon their personal beliefs, but rather are part of rational discussion.
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