Philosophy 101 Quiz

The philosophical exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, and reality.

The belief that certain moral principles are universally true and unchanging, regardless of cultural or personal beliefs.

Plato's theory suggesting the human soul has three parts: rational (reasoning), spirited (emotions), and appetitive (desires).

A thought experiment that explores quantum superposition, where an object is in multiple states simultaneously until observed.

The view that moral values are determined by the specific culture or society, with no objective standard.

The practice of asking challenging questions about accepted beliefs to understand their validity and foundation.

A Danish philosopher known for his work on existentialism, emphasizing individual choice, faith, and authenticity.

Founded by Plato in Athens, it was an early institution dedicated to philosophy, mathematics, and dialectical reasoning.

A philosophical concept that contrasts with cultural relativism, arguing that certain moral principles apply universally across all cultures.

Knowledge acquired through direct experience, observation, and reflection on one's own life and interactions with the world.

A philosophical dialogue written by Plato that explores themes of justice, the ideal state, and the nature of the soul. It introduces concepts like the tripartite soul, the philosopher-king, and the allegory of the cave.

Kierkegaard's term for the act of believing in God despite the absence of rational evidence. It emphasizes personal commitment and faith.

The view that morality is not absolute, but rather depends on factors like culture, society, or individual beliefs.

A group that is open and welcoming to a diverse range of people, ensuring they feel safe, accepted, and comfortable.

In Plato's philosophy, The Good is the ultimate principle and the source of truth, knowledge, and being. It's analogous to the sun, illuminating all understanding and existence.

A philosophical perspective that emphasizes individual liberty and minimal government intervention. It argues that individuals are free as long as they do not harm others.

The idea that all events are predetermined by prior causes, and free will does not exist. Everything happens according to the laws of nature.

Moral theories that focus on the consequences of actions, judging them based on the overall good they produce.

A form of consequentialism that seeks to maximize overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people.

A group with limited entrance, often discriminating against certain individuals and withholding opportunities from them.

A central concept in Plato's philosophy, referring to a non-material realm of perfect, unchanging Forms (Ideas), which are the true reality behind the imperfect physical world we perceive.

The view that free will and determinism can coexist, meaning individuals can be free in their actions even if those actions are determined by prior causes.

The duration of the pleasure or pain, considering how long it will last.

How soon will the pleasure or pain occur? Closer in time = more significance.

Does the pleasure lead to more pleasure, creating a chain reaction of happiness?

How free from pain is the pleasure? Is it mixed with pain? Pure pleasure is more valuable.

How many people will be affected by the pleasure or pain? The greater the extent, the more significant.

How likely is the pleasure or pain to happen? Greater certainty makes the pleasure/pain more important.

John Stuart Mill's core belief that not all pleasures are equal; higher pleasures are intrinsically more valuable than lower pleasures.

Pleasures that are unique to humans and involve intellectual and moral development. Examples: art, philosophy, spiritual growth.

Basic physical pleasures shared with animals. Examples: food, sex, physical comfort.

An action is considered good or bad based on its tendency to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people, regardless of inherent right or wrong.

An action is considered good or bad based on whether it follows rules that generally promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Ancient Greek philosophers (6th-5th century BCE) who explored natural philosophy, the origins of the cosmos, and early ideas about metaphysics.

The rational study of God, assuming belief already exists.

A non-consequentialist theory that emphasizes duties, rules, and principles, regardless of consequences. Certain actions are inherently right or wrong.

The Socratic method is a form of inquiry and dialogue used to stimulate critical thinking and reveal underlying assumptions.

The idea that everything in motion must be caused by something else, ultimately leading to a first, unmoved mover often associated with God or a divine principle.

A philosophical argument that reasons for God's existence based on the idea that the universe must have a first cause, which is identified as God.

A critique that questions whether the universe itself could be self-explanatory or have a necessary existence, challenging the need for a "first cause".

An argument that suggests the complexity, order, and purpose observed in the universe point to a designer (God), comparing it to a watch with intricate workings.

A critique that points out that apparent design in the universe can be explained by natural processes like evolution by natural selection, challenging the need for a designer.

An a priori argument that claims existence is a predicate (characteristic) of perfection, concluding that God, defined as the greatest being imaginable, must exist.

A critique that argues existence is not a predicate or property that makes something greater, challenging the core assumption of the ontological argument.

A branch of moral philosophy that emphasizes the role of character and virtues (like courage or honesty) in determining moral behavior.

The idea that achieving a flourishing life (eudaimonia) is accomplished through cultivating virtues, balancing emotions and reasoning.

A philosophical argument against the existence of God focusing on the presence of evil in the world, questioning how a benevolent God could allow it.

A theistic response to the Problem of Evil, suggesting that evil exists as a result of human free will, or that suffering has a greater purpose.

An argument against the existence of God based on the lack of empirical, scientific, or logical evidence for God's existence.

An early Christian philosopher who integrated Platonic thought with Christian doctrine, emphasizing concepts like original sin and divine grace.

The belief that God does not exist based on arguments like the Problem of Evil and the lack of evidence.

The view that the existence or non-existence of God is unknowable or unprovable, holding a neutral stance on the question.

The study of the structures of experience and consciousness as they are directly experienced, without assumptions about external realities.

A philosophical debate on whether human traits and behaviors are shaped primarily by genetics and biology (nature) or by environment and experience (nurture).

A piece of reasoning that does not logically follow from its evidence or reasons, often leading to invalid conclusions.

Charles Darwin's theory explaining how species evolve through the survival of the fittest, challenging traditional creation views.

The belief that the divine is both immanent within and transcendent beyond the universe; God is bigger than the universe.

The founder of phenomenology, a method to understand consciousness and our perception of the world.

The process of reaching conclusions based on evidence. It can either guarantee truth (deductive) or suggest high probability (inductive).

A 20th-century philosophical movement that asserts meaningful statements must be empirically verifiable or logically necessary.

Medieval theologian and philosopher who combined Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology.

Attributes of God, including being all-powerful, all-knowing, present everywhere, and all-good.

The belief that education should be an active, participatory process that helps individuals become engaged and responsible members of society.

The lack of conclusive evidence for God's existence, leading to the rejection of belief.

The need for self-fulfillment, creativity, self-expression, and realization of our potential.

A system of principles that guide moral behavior and decision-making.

The idea that consciousness is always directed toward something, emphasizing a focus on the intentional nature of experience.

A method in phenomenology where one suspends or sets aside judgments about the external world to focus purely on how things appear in consciousness.

An emphasis on the nature of human existence, questioning the meaning of Being and the individual's relationship to the world.

A concept in existentialism that refers to 'being-in-the-world' and emphasizes the interconnectedness of human existence with the world and the awareness of finitude.

A central concept in existentialism, emphasizing the freedom and responsibility of individuals to create meaning and make choices in a world without inherent meaning.

A mental state of disbelief, skepticism, or doubt toward external information, typically used as a method in philosophy to establish the foundation of knowledge.

A philosophical approach that argues all knowledge is innate and comes from within the mind, existing before birth.

A philosophical approach that argues all knowledge comes from sense experience after birth.

The pursuit of a direct, often ineffable experience of the divine or ultimate reality, transcending sensory perception and rational understanding.

A theory proposing that moral reasoning develops in stages, from focusing on self-interest to social rules and eventually to abstract principles of justice and human rights.

Statements of fact that provide evidence for a conclusion, leading the reader to believe something is true.

A statement derived from at least two premises, logically following from the information presented earlier.

An argument where the premises aim to show the conclusion is likely true, but not necessarily certain. It relies on evidence and inductive reasoning to suggest a probable conclusion.

The state of flourishing and well-being achieved through living a virtuous life and realizing one's full potential. It involves fulfilling one's capabilities and contributing to a meaningful life.

A system of belief or practices that centers on the concept of a higher power or spiritual reality. It encompasses rituals, values, and practices that shape individuals' understanding of the world and their place in it.

Refers to the branch of philosophy that deals with questions about the nature of knowledge. It explores what knowledge is, how we acquire it, and what justifies our beliefs.

An argument that uses the structure of a conditional statement to make a conclusion. It follows a specific logical form, where if the antecedent (first part) is true, the consequent (second part) also must be true.

A philosophical concept that argues for the complete separation between the mind and the body. The body is seen as a physical machine, while the mind is viewed as a separate entity responsible for thought, consciousness, and soul.

A branch of philosophy that investigates the ultimate nature of reality and the fundamental principles governing existence. It explores questions about the universe, time, space, and fundamental laws.

Refers to two opposing perspectives about the nature of our actions and motivations. These perspectives contrast the influence of self-interest with genuine concern for others.

A type of knowledge that is acquired through experience or observation. It is dependent on empirical evidence and sensory input.

A type of knowledge that is independent of experience. It is gained through reason and logic, without relying on sensory data.

The idea that only one's own mind is certain to exist, and the external world might be an illusion.

A type of idealism that claims all reality is dependent on a conscious perceiver, and without that perceiver, nothing would exist.

A type of idealism that proposes a universal observer (like God) who keeps all reality in existence by perceiving it.

A branch of philosophy that focuses on the study of morality, questioning what is good or bad, right or wrong, and what is considered ethical behavior.

A fallacy that attacks the character or personal traits of an opponent, aiming to undermine their argument, rather than addressing the argument itself.

A fallacy that distorts or misrepresents an opponent's argument, making it easier to attack. This often involves exaggerating or creating a straw man version of the real argument.

A fallacy that confuses correlation with causation, assuming that because two things happen together, one must be the cause of the other.

A fallacy that involves a circular argument, where the conclusion is already assumed within the premises. It essentially restates the conclusion as a premise to support it.

A fallacy that appeals to emotions or feelings instead of using logic or evidence to support an argument.

A fallacy that attempts to justify an action or belief by arguing that many other people do the same thing, using popularity as a form of validation.

A fallacy that dismisses criticism by pointing out hypocrisy in the accuser, avoiding addressing the actual issue being raised.

A fallacy that presents two opposing options as the only possibilities, ignoring the existence of other alternatives or nuances.

A fallacy that assumes a characteristic that applies to a whole entity also applies to its individual parts, or vice versa, without sufficient justification.

A fallacy that involves asking a question that contains a built-in assumption, often casting the person being questioned as guilty or wrong.

A subatomic particle with nearly no mass and no electric charge. First theorized by Wolfgang Pauli to explain energy conservation in beta decay.

A moral or ethical duty to act in a certain way, often derived from principles, laws, or societal expectations. It explores its sources (e.g., divine command, social contract) and its role in ethics.

A concept representing that which is morally right, beneficial, or desirable. Philosophers debate its nature (e.g., happiness, virtue).

A concept representing that which is morally right, beneficial, or desirable. Philosophers debate its nature (e.g., happiness, virtue).

An inner readiness to accomplish moral good.

The idea that all events are predetermined by prior causes, and free will does not exist. Everything happens according to the laws of nature.

A philosophical perspective that emphasizes individual liberty and minimal government intervention. It argues that individuals are free as long as they do not harm others.

A form of consequentialism that seeks to maximize overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people.

A philosophical dialogue written by Plato that explores themes of justice, the ideal state, and the nature of the soul. It introduces concepts like the tripartite soul, the philosopher-king, and the allegory of the cave.

The belief that certain moral principles are universally true and unchanging, regardless of cultural or personal beliefs.