Introduction to Philosophy

Philosophy is the pursuit of wisdom by examining fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, values, and existence.

The belief that the world is explained by supernatural beings or forces, often presented as stories or myths.

The use of reason and logic to understand the world, replacing myths with explanations based on observation and thought.

The fundamental building block or underlying principle of reality, sought by early philosophers.

The concept of Indian philosophy that emphasizes self-discovery and asks the question "Who am I?"

A Chinese philosophy that centers on morality and social harmony, advocating the principle of "do unto others as you would have them done unto you."

A Chinese philosophy that emphasizes the importance of following the 'Dao' (Way), a natural order that guides all things.

The Greek belief that there is a difference between how things appear and how they truly are, emphasizing the search for hidden causes of events.

The process of reducing the 'object of consciousness' (what you're aware of) to the very act of consciousness itself, focusing on how you experience the world rather than the world's external properties.

The idea that every conscious act is directed towards something, that consciousness is fundamentally intentional. It means your awareness is always 'about' something, even if it's just your own state of mind.

A philosophical movement that emphasizes the individual's freedom, choice, and responsibility in creating meaning in a world without inherent purpose.

Kierkegaard believed that individuals are not cogs in a machine, but unique beings responsible for creating their own meaning.

Existentialism aims to explore the meaning of life, though it acknowledges the difficulty and that there might not be a definitive answer.

Existentialism highlights the subjective nature of value, acknowledging that values are created by individuals and not inherent to the world.

Theistic existentialism believes that human freedom finds fulfillment by participating in a higher being, God. Values then derive their meaning from God's essence.

Atheistic Existentialism holds that humans are responsible for creating their own values, with no external source of meaning.

The idea that human existence is defined by taking personal, meaningful decisions before God, facing fear and responsibility. This involves moving beyond pleasure and living ethically, ultimately leap of faith.

Existence is a process of going beyond oneself during life's challenges, eventually connecting with God.

Humans are thrown into the world and must realize their potential, but death is the ultimate limit of existence. This is the essence of freedom - transcending past, present, and future, acknowledging their role in your existence.

True existence stems from relationships, love, and faith - coexisting with others and with God.

To exist is to be condemned to freedom. Humans have complete autonomy and responsibility for their actions, with no predetermined purpose or external constraints.

This method emphasizes questioning, examining, and cross-examining to clarify and refine concepts. It's a process of inquiry and dialogue, often used to reveal underlying assumptions and inconsistencies.

Attacking the person making the argument instead of addressing the argument itself. Example: 'You can't trust his argument about climate change, he's not a scientist.'

Misrepresenting or oversimplifying someone's argument to make it easier to attack. Example: 'You say we should reduce carbon emissions, but you want to ban all cars!'

Assuming that because one event follows another, the first event caused the second. It's a fallacy because correlation does not equal causation.

Using the opinion of an authority figure as evidence, rather than presenting actual evidence. It's a fallacy because authority doesn't guarantee truth.

Drawing a broad conclusion based on a small or unrepresentative sample. It's a fallacy because a few instances don't represent the whole.

Restating the argument in a different form, without providing any additional evidence. It's a fallacy because it doesn't actually prove the point.

Arguing that a proposition is true because it hasn't been proven false (or vice versa). It's a fallacy because lack of evidence doesn't prove anything.

Introducing an irrelevant topic to divert attention from the original issue. It's a fallacy because it avoids addressing the actual point.

Arguing that a small first step will lead to a chain of related events with extreme consequences, without providing evidence for the chain of events. It's a fallacy because it exaggerates the potential outcomes.

Using a word with multiple meanings in different senses within the same argument to cause confusion. It's a fallacy because it manipulates the meaning of words to mislead.

A logical fallacy where an argument is dismissed or rejected based on the person making the argument being hypocritical or inconsistent. It focuses on the speaker's behavior rather than the argument's logic.

A fallacy where a conclusion is drawn about a whole group based on the characteristics of its individual parts. Saying that something is true for all members of a group because it's true for some members.

A fallacy where a conclusion is drawn about an individual part based on the characteristics of the whole group. It assumes that what is true for the whole must also be true for each individual part.

A conclusion that does not logically follow from the previous statements or evidence. There's a lack of connection between the premises and the conclusion.

A statement that compares two things that are not similar enough in relevant ways to justify the comparison. The similarities are superficial, leading to an illogical conclusion.

A theory by Plato suggesting that the physical world is an imperfect shadow of a more perfect 'World of Forms' where true realities, called Forms, exist.

An allegory used by Plato to illustrate that our perception of reality is limited and can be based on illusions. It shows a journey from ignorance to enlightenment.

Plato's view of humans as dualistic beings with both a physical body and an immortal soul. He believed that the soul is the true essence of a person and can exist independently of the body.

Aristotle's concept that everything is composed of both matter and form, with form representing the essence or purpose of a thing.

The substance's current state of being, its actual properties and characteristics.

The potential or inherent capacity of a thing to develop and reach its full potential, driven by entelechy.

The creative drive or inner force that propels things to develop and realize their full potential, following the natural order. It connects actuality and potentiality.