Philosophy Schools: Idealism vs Realism

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Questions and Answers

What does Idealism primarily argue about the nature of reality?

Reality is mentally constructed and depends on the mind. (correct)

Reality is identical to physical and observable phenomena.

Reality is understood through empirical observation.

Reality is based on tangible, material existence.

What does Aquinas believe all creatures inherently seek?

Emotional fulfillment

Knowledge of God

Human relationships

Natural purpose or end (correct)

Which figure is associated with the concept of Transcendental Idealism?

Immanuel Kant (correct)

George Hegel

Plato

Aristotle

How do realists approach the acquisition of knowledge?

Using empirical observation and sensory experience. Signup and view all the answers

How do human beings uniquely interact with Natural Law, according to Aquinas?

By rationality Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Subjective Idealism?

It states that reality is shaped by individual perception. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle 'Good is to be done and pursued, and evil avoided' represent in Aquinas's theory?

Natural Law Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of Idealism?

Material Idealism Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of Natural Law indicates its divine origin?

Divine Providence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of moral norms in the 'Order of Nature' interpretation of Natural Law?

Nature itself Signup and view all the answers

What does Ontological Idealism suggest about reality?

It is comprised of ideas rather than matter. Signup and view all the answers

What philosophy primarily contrasts with Idealism?

Materialism Signup and view all the answers

How did Aristotle contribute to Natural Law theory?

By suggesting actions promote human potential Signup and view all the answers

According to Absolute Idealism, what is reality considered to be?

Identical to ideas and a system of thought. Signup and view all the answers

Which contemporary issues are impacted by Natural Law according to Church Teachings?

Artificial contraception and same-sex relations Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher emphasized harmony with nature in the context of Natural Law?

Stoics Signup and view all the answers

What does Kant believe is the only thing that is inherently good?

Good will Signup and view all the answers

What does the Universalizability Principle imply in Kantian ethics?

Moral actions must apply universally to everyone Signup and view all the answers

Why does Kant argue against lying even to save a life?

It violates the universal moral law Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, what happens if an individual makes an exception to moral laws for themselves?

It leads to social disorder Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is considered central to Kant's ethical philosophy?

Categorical Imperative Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome when applying the Universalizability Principle to the act of stealing?

Stealing leads to the collapse of the idea of property Signup and view all the answers

In the Elvira and Tony thought experiment, what does Kant hold Elvira morally responsible for?

Lying to the murderer Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'Good Will' in Kant's ethics?

It acts from duty and aligns with moral law Signup and view all the answers

What defines a temperate person according to Aristotle's Virtue Ethics?

Harmonizes reason and desire, choosing good actions naturally Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Weakness of Will' or Akrasia?

A failure to control desires against better judgment Signup and view all the answers

What is Eudaimonia in the context of Aristotle's ethics?

A well-lived life defined by hard work and personal growth Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, what role does practical wisdom play in virtue?

It is an intellectual virtue that allows for wise application of moral virtues Signup and view all the answers

What does Natural Law refer to in the philosophy presented?

The inherent order within creation guiding humanity toward God Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Thomas Aquinas within Catholic theology?

He is a pivotal figure known as 'the dumb ox' for his demeanor Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle suggest is necessary for a virtuous life?

Continuous practice and self-improvement Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of observation relate to the understanding of God within Natural Law?

Understanding God can be achieved through observing nature Signup and view all the answers

What does the Second Formulation of the Categorical Imperative emphasize?

Treating humanity always as an end. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, what is acceptable when hiring someone for a job?

Acknowledging their potential benefits while respecting their autonomy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of hypothetical imperatives?

They are based on specific desires or goals. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kant argue regarding individuals as rational beings?

They have intrinsic moral worth and should be treated with respect. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical issue arises from lying to borrow money according to Kant?

It deprives the lender of making an autonomous decision based on truthful information. Signup and view all the answers

How does Kant define moral obligations?

Arising from rational duty, independent of desires. Signup and view all the answers

What role does autonomy play in Kant's ethical framework?

It is integral for human rights and moral considerations. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes categorical imperatives from hypothetical imperatives?

Categorical imperatives are unconditional and universally applicable. Signup and view all the answers

What does the First Formulation of Kant's moral theory emphasize?

Actions are right if their maxims can be universally applied without contradiction. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is central to the Second Formulation of Kant's moral theory?

People must be treated as ends in themselves, respecting their autonomy. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Third Formulation of Kant's moral theory?

It asserts that rational beings can legislate moral laws. Signup and view all the answers

What was the central shift in moral philosophy characterized by the rise of Utilitarianism?

A movement from theocentric morality to an anthropocentric perspective. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Principle of Utility in Utilitarianism?

A guideline that emphasizes maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering. Signup and view all the answers

How did John Stuart Mill expand upon Jeremy Bentham's ideas?

By differentiating between higher and lower pleasures and stressing the quality of happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Greatest Happiness Principle advocate?

Actions are defined as moral if they produce the greatest happiness and least suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of moral duties according to the Categorical Imperative in Kant's theory?

They apply unconditionally and are not subject to individual will. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Schools of Thought

Idealism posits that reality is constructed by the mind.
Its origin is in Plato's philosophy, where ideas are ultimate reality, and the physical world is a reflection.
Idealism explains that the mind or ideas shape reality rather than a tangible, independent world.
Types include:
- Subjective Idealism: Reality is as it's perceived, shaped by individual perception.
- Divine Idealism: Reality exists within a divine mind.
- Ontological Idealism: The universe is composed of ideas, not matter (e.g., E=mc²).
- Epistemological Idealism: Knowledge is processed and understood via the mind.
Idealism contrasts with materialism and rationalism.
Notable figures include Plato.

Realism

Reality exists independently of the human mind and perceptions.
Originates from Aristotle's philosophy.
Explains that the external world exists independent of thought
Comparison: Realism contrasts with idealism, and focuses on material objects.
Notable figures include Aristotle.
Realism aligns with empiricism, opposing idealism. Materialism views matter as the basis of all existence.

Pragmatism

Truth is practical, judged by outcomes and usefulness.
Originated with Charles Sanders Peirce, expanded by William James and John Dewey.
Pragmatism values ideas that are practical, beneficial, workable, and useful.
Truth is not static, but evaluated based on results.
Pragmatic Ethics judges moral decisions based on practicality and benefits.

Existentialism

Individuals create values and meaning through personal choice in an indifferent world.
Originates from Jean-Paul Sartre.
Existentialism focuses on personal freedom, authenticity, and meaning creation.
Rejection of objective moral standards in favor of individual choice.
Existential crisis can occur when identity is challenged.
Notable figures include Jean-Paul Sartre.

Aristotle's Virtue Ethics

Happiness (eudaimonia) is achieved through virtuous actions and good character development.
Aristotle believed human life aims at eudaimonia, emphasizing practical wisdom and virtue cultivation.
Eudaimonia is a well-lived life, defined by hard work, achievement, and growth.
Important qualities comprise moral and intellectual virtues, developed through practice (courage, temperance, generosity).
Key concepts include virtue as a mean between extremes (golden mean), practical wisdom, and external goods supporting the virtuous life.

Thomas Aquinas's Natural Law Theory

Natural Law is an inherent order within creation, guiding humanity toward God.
The theory roots in philosophy and the Bible.
Natural law emphasizes the inherent order and moral principles within nature.
Principles of Natural Law: "Good is to be pursued, and evil avoided" aligning human actions with intrinsic goods (life, knowledge, community).
Two interpretations of Natural Law: Order of Nature and Order of Reason.
Aquinas's theory connects understanding God with observing nature.

Immanuel Kant's Deontological Ethics

Morality consists of universal, absolute duties.
Kant viewed morality as stemming from rational duty instead of personal gain or consequences.
Categorical Imperative: Moral actions are universalizable and consistent.
Notable features include universal principles, making exceptions for oneself is wrong, and respecting the inherent worth of all rational beings.
Examples: lying, keeping promises, autonomy, treating people as means.
Core principles include the universalizability principle, the humanity formulation, and the kingdom of ends.

Utilitarianism

Morality is determined by maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering for the greatest number of people.
Utilitarianism views morality as based on outcomes and happiness.
Emphasizes equality, pleasure, and pain, with consequences guiding ethical choices.
Features prominent figures like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of Idealism and Realism in philosophy. This quiz covers key theories, notable figures, and contrasts between these two schools of thought. Test your understanding of how reality is perceived and understood in philosophical discourse.