Philosophy Terms Flashcards

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What is the definition of Metaphysics?

The philosophical theory that matter is the only reality

Inquiry into the nature of being (correct)

Study of existence

A system of moral principles

What is Epistemology?

A branch of philosophy that investigates the origin, nature, methods, and limits of human knowledge.

What does Ethics refer to?

A system of moral principles.

Define Morals.

Behaviors that are judged to be consistent with good ethical thinking and decision making. Signup and view all the answers

What is Aesthetics?

The branch of philosophy dealing with beauty and taste. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Allegory of the Cave represent?

Plato's premise that we are bound by chains, shadows, and false fires. Signup and view all the answers

What is Teleology?

Belief that events are directed toward purposeful ends. Signup and view all the answers

Define Ontology.

In philosophy, the study of existence or what it means to be. Signup and view all the answers

What does Realism in philosophy assert?

The philosophical doctrine that abstract concepts exist independent of their names. Signup and view all the answers

What is Materialism?

The philosophical theory that matter is the only reality. Signup and view all the answers

What is Monism?

Body and mind are one. Signup and view all the answers

Define Idealism.

The philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality. Signup and view all the answers

What is Altruism?

Unselfish concern for others. Signup and view all the answers

Define Determinism.

A philosophical theory holding that all events are inevitable consequences of antecedent sufficient causes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Indeterminism?

Theory that not every event has a cause. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nihilism promote?

An active destruction of conventional rules and conventional societal structures. Signup and view all the answers

Define Skepticism.

A philosophy based on the idea that nothing can be known for certain. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hedonism?

An ethical system that evaluates the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good. Signup and view all the answers

What is Utilitarianism?

A theory based upon the principle of 'the greatest happiness for the greatest number.' Signup and view all the answers

What is Deductive Reasoning?

Reasoning in which a conclusion is reached by stating a general principle and then applying that principle to a specific case. Signup and view all the answers

Define Inductive Reasoning.

Inferring general principles from specific examples. Signup and view all the answers

What is Pragmatism?

The doctrine that practical consequences are the criteria of knowledge and meaning and value. Signup and view all the answers

What is Existentialism?

A philosophy based on the idea that people give meaning to their lives through their choices and actions. Signup and view all the answers

What does A Priori refer to?

Prior to experience (before). Signup and view all the answers

What does A Posteriori mean?

To come after. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Socrates?

An Athenian philosopher who believed that human beings could lead honest lives and that honor was far more important than wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What is Thales known for?

The 'Father of Western Philosophy' who taught that the universe originated from water. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Paradox?

A statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd but expresses a possible truth. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Plato?

A disciple of Socrates whose cornerstone of thought was his theory of Forms. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Rene Descartes?

Father of Modern Philosophy, known for the phrase 'I think, therefore I am.' Signup and view all the answers

Who was John Locke?

A 17th century English philosopher who opposed the Divine Right of Kings. Signup and view all the answers

Define Richard Rorty's philosophy.

A pragmatist who contended that reality is not fixed and is shaped by inquiry. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Philosophical Terms and Concepts

Metaphysics: Study of existence and the nature of being, exploring what lies beyond physical reality.
Epistemology: Examines the origin, nature, methods, and limits of human knowledge.
Ethics: Focuses on systems of moral principles guiding right and wrong behavior.
Morals: Behaviors aligned with ethical thinking and sound decision-making.
Aesthetics: The philosophy of art, beauty, and taste, evaluating criteria concerning artistic works.

Philosophical Theories and Ideas

Allegory of the Cave: Plato's depiction of humans bound to perceive illusions rather than reality, emphasizing the importance of enlightenment through philosophical inquiry.
Teleology: The belief that actions and events are directed toward purposeful ends, reflecting human desire for meaning.
Ontology: Investigates the nature of being, existence, and what it means to be.
Realism: The doctrine asserting that abstract concepts exist independently of their names.
Materialism: Philosophical theory positing that matter is the only true reality.

Key Philosophers and Their Contributions

Monism: The concept that body and mind are a unified whole.
Idealism: Theory suggesting that ideas, rather than material things, constitute reality.
Altruism: Selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Determinism: Theories asserting that events are the unavoidable outcomes of preceding causes.
Indeterminism: The belief that certain events occur without specific causes.

Philosophical Positions

Nihilism: A philosophy advocating the active dismantling of established societal rules and structures.
Skepticism: Perspective doubting the certainty of knowledge.
Hedonism: Ethical viewpoint valuing the pursuit of pleasure as the ultimate good.
Utilitarianism: Jeremy Bentham's theory advocating for actions that promote the greatest happiness for the majority.
Pragmatism: Philosophical approach prioritizing practical consequences in assessing knowledge and meaning.

Reasoning and Knowledge

Deductive Reasoning: Deriving specific conclusions from general principles (e.g., "The sun will rise on Tuesday" based on the principle of daily sunrises).
Inductive Reasoning: Forming generalizations from specific observations or examples.
A Priori: Knowledge that exists before experience, often related to theoretical reasoning.
A Posteriori: Knowledge acquired through experience or empirical evidence.

Historical Philosophical Figures

Socrates: Influential Athenian philosopher emphasizing the importance of honor over material gains.
Thales: Recognized as the "Father of Western Philosophy," theorizing that water is the origin of the universe.
Plato: Socratic disciple known for his theory of Forms, which suggests the existence of a realm of perfect ideals.
René Descartes: The "Father of Modern Philosophy," known for the declaration "I think, therefore I am" and contributions to the scientific method.
John Locke: 17th-century thinker advocating for natural rights to life, liberty, and property, opposing the Divine Right of Kings.
Richard Rorty: Pragmatist who argued that reality is not static but evolves with changes in inquiry and understanding.

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Test your knowledge of essential philosophy concepts with this flashcard quiz. Covering terms like Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, and Morals, this quiz is perfect for students and enthusiasts alike. Dive into the foundational ideas that shape philosophical inquiry.