Philosophical Terms Glossary Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is an analytic proposition?

A proposition whose truth can be determined by analysis, not requiring reference to experience.

Define a posteriori.

Beliefs or propositions whose truth can only be determined by reliance on experience or observation.

What does the term deontology refer to?

The view that morality is determined by intentions and principles rather than consequences.

Consequentialism is based on the intentions behind actions.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is determinism?

The belief that all human actions are caused by events over which individuals have no real control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of rationalism?

The philosophy that holds some truths about the world can be known intuitively without prior observation. Signup and view all the answers

The opposite of analytic is __________.

synthetic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is associated with the belief in two fundamentally different kinds of reality?

Dualism Signup and view all the answers

What is ethical relativism?

The belief that there are no objective principles of right and wrong conduct. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'tautology' mean?

A statement that is true by virtue of its logical form, regardless of the content. Signup and view all the answers

What is utilitarianism?

An ethical theory that suggests the best action maximizes overall good or happiness. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Analytic and Synthetic

Analytic Proposition: Truth determined purely by analysis without reference to experience (e.g., "A circle is a closed plane figure").
Synthetic Proposition: Truth can be determined only through experience, opposite of analytic.

A Priori and A Posteriori

A Priori: Knowledge or beliefs justified independent of experience (e.g., mathematical truths).
A Posteriori: Knowledge or beliefs justified through observation and experience.

Key Philosophical Concepts

Argument: A set of reasons supporting a belief.
Categorical Imperative: Kant’s principle urging actions that can be universalized as moral.
Cogito Ergo Sum: Descartes’ assertion indicating self-awareness ("I think, therefore I am").

Ethical Theories

Consequentialism: Morality based on the outcomes of actions, with utilitarianism as the most recognized form.
Deontology: Morality determined by intentions and principles rather than consequences.
Hedonism: The belief that pleasure is the only intrinsic good.

Propositions and Truth

Contingent Proposition: Truth is dependent on other propositions.
Contradiction: Claiming that one belief invalidates another.
Tautology: A statement true by its structure alone, such as "All wise philosophers are wise."

Philosophical Movements

Empiricism: Truth relies on experience; significant figures include Berkeley, Locke, and Hume, contrasted with rationalism.
Rationalism: Knowledge can be obtained through reason alone, exemplified by thinkers like Descartes and Leibniz.
Idealism: The belief that ideas form the basis of reality.

Logic and Reasoning

Induction: The process of forming generalizations based on specific observations.
Fallacy: Errors in reasoning which may invalidate an argument.
Non Sequitur: An argument where the conclusion does not logically follow from the premises.

Additional Concepts

Determinism: The belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by preceding causes.
Realism: The doctrine asserting the existence of an objective reality independent of perception.
Relativism: Cultural and ethical norms that are relative to the societal context.

Kantian Philosophy

Transcendent/Transcendental: Refers to concepts beyond possible experience (transcendent) and universally valid truths (transcendental).

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism: Advocated by Bentham and Mill, it is the principle of maximizing overall good.

Additional Philosophical Roles

Philosophical figures are involved in various contexts such as ethics consulting, legal theory, and in discussions of morality, culture, and truth across diverse fields.

Conclusion on Value and Validity

Valid Argument: An argument where if premises are true, the conclusion must be true.
Sufficient Condition: Conditions that must be met for an event to occur, encompassing all necessary conditions.

Description

Test your understanding of key philosophical terms like 'analytic' and 'synthetic'. This quiz will help you distinguish between propositions based on their truth conditions and examine their philosophical implications. Expand your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of philosophy!