Philosophical Terminology Tutorial

Key Philosophical Terms: A Tutorial

• A proposition is a statement that makes a claim.
• There are two types of propositions: synthetic statements (matters of fact) and analytic statements (playing with ideas).
• Synthetic statements are where the predicate isn't found in the subject, while analytic statements are where the predicate is found in the subject.
• Propositions can be known through a priori reasoning (in our minds alone) or a posteriori reasoning (through experience).
• An argument is an attempt to prove a proposition through reason and logic.
• Premises are steps in an argument that tie together to form a conclusion.
• A syllogism is a classical form of an argument with two premises and a conclusion.
• Deductive arguments mean the conclusion must be true if the premises are true and the logic is valid.
• Inductive arguments suggest a probable conclusion based on evidence.
• Knowledge gained through a priori reasoning is often analytic while knowledge gained through a posteriori reasoning is often synthetic.
• Understanding philosophical terminology is useful for essay writing and reading about philosophy.
• Arguments in philosophy are not like arguments with friends - there are no losers, only winners and learners.

Test your knowledge of key philosophical terms with this tutorial quiz! Explore the differences between synthetic and analytic statements, learn about deductive and inductive arguments, and discover the importance of a priori and a posteriori reasoning. Sharpen your philosophical vocabulary for essay writing and deepen your understanding of this fascinating field. No losers here, only winners and learners!