Philosophy Chapter 2: Famous Philosophers

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Questions and Answers

What is Saint Thomas Aquinas primarily known for in Western thought?

Concept of natural theology (correct)

Development of existential philosophy

Advocating for Platonic idealism

Promotion of empirical science

What is Descartes primarily known for in relation to analytical geometry?

Being recognized as its father (correct)

Developing calculus

Establishing coordinate systems

Creating a method of limits

Which principle does Aquinas adhere to that suggests certain absolutes exist in the universe?

Relativism

Nihilism

Realism (correct)

Materialism

Which philosophical movement is Ralph Waldo Emerson associated with?

Transcendentalism Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary focus of Aristotle's philosophical work?

Metaphysics, ethics, and methodological inquiry Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concept of Emerson’s philosophy as shown in his writings?

Importance of individualism and self-reliance Signup and view all the answers

How did Aquinas view the teachings of Jewish and Roman philosophers?

With doctrinal openness Signup and view all the answers

What was Michel Foucault particularly focused on in his work?

The relationship between power and knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What significant declaration was made about Aquinas' Summa Theologiae?

It was termed 'Perennial Philosophy' Signup and view all the answers

Why is Aristotle considered a father of Western Philosophy?

His influence on subsequent philosophical thought Signup and view all the answers

Which issue did Foucault actively support through his movements?

Social justice and human rights Signup and view all the answers

What does Emerson refer to as 'the infinitude of the private man'?

His central doctrine of individualism Signup and view all the answers

What era did Saint Thomas Aquinas belong to?

Medieval period Signup and view all the answers

During which historical period did Descartes influence the Scientific Revolution?

15th to 18th centuries Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical movement is associated with Aquinas' work of reconciling different thoughts?

Scholasticism Signup and view all the answers

Which writer and philosopher was a mentor to Emerson and also an influential transcendentalist?

Henry David Thoreau Signup and view all the answers

What does Machiavelli suggest is more secure for a ruler?

Being feared rather than loved Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ideas is most aligned with Machiavelli's philosophy?

Deceit and oppression may be necessary to maintain power. Signup and view all the answers

How did Machiavelli view ambition and competition?

As inevitable parts of human nature Signup and view all the answers

What is one of Karl Marx's predictions regarding capitalism?

It will eventually lead to its own collapse. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophy is most influenced by Marx's ideas?

Socialism Signup and view all the answers

What does Platonism emphasize regarding perception?

It views perception as inadequate for understanding deeper truths. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is foundational to Plato's epistemological view?

Justified true belief Signup and view all the answers

What does Rousseau suggest about man's existence in a 'state of nature'?

It allows for the best moral condition of mankind. Signup and view all the answers

How does Rousseau view the relationship between civilization and human morality?

Civilization leads to moral decay and inequality. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of education did Rousseau advocate for?

The development of individual moral character Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best summarizes Sartre's philosophical stance?

He was a strong proponent of existentialism and socialism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind Plato’s theory of forms?

There is an unchanging, invisible world that influences the material one. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rousseau mean by 'decay of the species'?

The decline of moral values as civilization progresses. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason for Socrates' trial and execution?

His criticism of Athenian leadership Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is attributed to Socrates?

I know that I know nothing. Signup and view all the answers

How did Socrates view nonvirtuous behavior?

As a consequence of ignorance Signup and view all the answers

What core idea did Wittgenstein present about language?

The meaning of words is influenced by cultural and social constructs. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects Wittgenstein's view on the relationship between thought and language?

Thought is intrinsically linked to the language we use. Signup and view all the answers

What did Wittgenstein identify as the root of intellectual tension in philosophy?

Conceptual confusion about language Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Socrates' philosophy is emphasized in his critique of Athenian society?

The need to care for one's soul Signup and view all the answers

What lifestyle choice characterized Wittgenstein’s life?

A life of eccentricity and nomadism Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Famous Philosophers and Their Ideas

Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274)
- Dominican friar and influential theologian from Italy.
- Developed the concept of natural theology, asserting God's existence can be established through reason.
- Engaged with the ideas of Platonic/Aristotelian realism, positing that absolute truths exist.
- Aimed to reconcile Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrines and acknowledged Jewish and Roman philosophers.
- His work, Summa Theologica, was deemed “Perennial Philosophy” during the Second Vatican Council.
Aristotle (384–322 BCE)
- Central figure in Western philosophy, known for his contributions across various disciplines.
- Wrote extensively on metaphysics, ethics, and knowledge, influencing both supporters and critics.
- Advocated for critical thinking by challenging preceding philosophical ideas.
- Established foundational aspects of analytical geometry and played a key role in the Scientific Revolution.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
- Boston-born writer and philosopher known as the father of Transcendentalism.
- Emphasized individualism and the soul’s connection to nature, resisting societal pressures and materialism.
- Advocated the importance of self-reliance and experiential living; termed "the infinitude of the private man" his core principle.
- Had a significant mentoring relationship with fellow transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau.
Michel Foucault (1926–1984)
- French philosopher focusing on the relationship between power, knowledge, and social control.
- Engaged with issues like racism, human rights abuses, and the marginalization of the mentally ill.
- His work influenced social justice movements and reshaped disciplines such as sociology, communication, and political science.
Niccolò Machiavelli
- Italian Renaissance political philosopher, often seen as the father of modern political science.
- Authored works on effective leadership, advocating for pragmatic, sometimes ruthless, governance to maintain power.
- Noted for the belief that being feared can offer greater security than being loved; emphasized ambition and competition as inherent to human nature.
Karl Marx (1818–1883)
- Influential political theorist and philosopher known for critiques of capitalism.
- Predicted capitalism’s collapse due to inherent inequalities and violence.
- Laid philosophical groundwork for communism and socialism, impacting political organization and theory worldwide.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778)
- Swiss-born philosopher whose ideas were instrumental during the Enlightenment.
- Proposed that humans are most virtuous in a primitive state, distancing themselves from civilization leads to moral decay.
- Critiqued societal structures, emphasizing education that cultivates individual moral character.
Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980)
- Leading existentialist philosopher, novelist, and activist.
- Advocated for personal freedom and responsibility, aligning with Marxist ideals.
- Criticized societal norms, particularly regarding individuality and morality.
Socrates
- Athenian philosopher known for his Socratic method of questioning to stimulate critical thinking.
- Emphasized the importance of the soul over societal concerns, leading to personal introspection.
- Famously claimed, "I know that I know nothing," highlighting the limits of human knowledge.
Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951)
- Austrian philosopher recognized for his work on language and meaning.
- Argued that philosophical confusion often arises from misunderstandings of language.
- Suggested that the meanings of words derive from social and cultural contexts, asserting that language shapes thought and is inherently social.

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Explore the significant philosophical ideas and contributions of renowned philosophers in Chapter 2 of the Introduction to the Philosophy of Human. This quiz will help you analyze and evaluate the principles introduced by various philosophers across different eras and movements.