Western Philosophy: Key Thinkers

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Questions and Answers

What did David Hume argue about personal identity?

It is based on the soul's substance.

It is a permanent and lasting entity.

It is based on awareness or memory. (correct)

It relies on the body's physical attributes.

Which philosophical stance is associated with David Hume?

Rationalism

Existentialism

Empiricism (correct)

Idealism

What was Immanuel Kant's notable contribution to philosophy?

Behaviorism

Natural selection

Theory of relativity

Critique of Judgment (correct)

Which of the following statements best summarizes Sigmund Freud's professional background?

He was a neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis. Signup and view all the answers

In what field did Patricia Churchland make a significant impact?

Neurophilosophy Signup and view all the answers

What is a core concept associated with Maurice Merleau-Ponty?

Embodiment and perception Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects David Hume's view on the self?

The self does not exist as a permanent identity. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is known for skepticism towards religion?

David Hume Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical method is Socrates known for inventing?

Dialectic Technique Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Plato's Theory of Forms?

The belief that reality consists of two realms: the physical and the ideal. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major themes in the philosophy of St. Augustine?

The duality of human nature in relation to divinity. Signup and view all the answers

What concept does the phrase 'Cogito, ergo sum' represent?

The assertion of existence based on thinking. Signup and view all the answers

What did John Locke mean by 'tabula rasa'?

The belief in a blank slate shaped by experiences. Signup and view all the answers

How did Locke's views differ from those of Descartes regarding personal identity?

Locke emphasized psychological continuity over rational thought. Signup and view all the answers

What is the viewpoint of Augustine concerning evil?

Evil is a product of man's free will. Signup and view all the answers

What was Socrates' view on examining life?

Life without self-reflection is meaningless. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ancient Greek Philosophers

Socrates (469-399 BCE): One of the "Great Three" ancient Greek philosophers, alongside Plato and Aristotle. Famous for the Socratic method, which encourages critical thinking through a series of questions.
Plato (428-348 BCE): Known as "The Broad" due to his wide figure. Developed the Theory of Forms, which proposes that the material world is a reflection of a higher, eternal realm of Forms. He believed the soul is composed of three parts: appetites, spirit, and reason.

Early Christian Philosopher

St. Augustine of Hippo (354-436 CE): After initial rejection, he found solace in Christianity. Augustine believed human nature has two sides: a yearning for the divine and an inclination to act immorally, suggesting evil is a part of free will.

Key Figures in Western Philosophy

René Descartes (1596-1650): The "Father of Modern Philosophy," known for integrating mathematics and the scientific method with philosophy. Developed analytic geometry and the Cartesian Method. Famously stated, "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am).
John Locke (1632-1704): Contested Cartesian and Augustinian views on human nature and identity. Argued that the mind is a blank slate (tabula rasa) shaped by experience and that personal identity is defined by psychological continuity, rather than a soul's or body's substance.
David Hume (1711-1776): Scottish philosopher and writer known for philosophical skepticism and empiricism. Influenced by Locke but skeptical about religion. He posited that the "self" is a collection of fleeting impressions, rather than a lasting entity, concluding that there is no permanent self.

Enlightenment Era Philosopher

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804): Influential philosopher of the Enlightenment. He believed that our understanding of the world is shaped by both our senses and our mind's inherent categories, known as "transcendental idealism". His most famous work, "Critique of Pure Reason," explored the limits of human reason.

Psychoanalysis and Philosophy of Mind

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939): Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis. He explored the unconscious mind, proposing that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are influenced by repressed desires and conflicts.
Gilbert Ryle (1900-1976): British philosopher known for his sharp critiques of traditional Cartesian dualism, which separates the mind from the body. He argued that mental states are not separate entities but rather behavioral dispositions.
Patricia Churchland (1943-present): Canadian-American philosopher who established the term "neurophilosophy", which explores the mind and consciousness through the lens of neuroscience. She emphasizes the role of the brain in shaping mental states and experiences.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908-1961): French philosopher known for his work on embodiment, perception, and ontology. He argued that our experience of the world is inseparable from our physical being, rejecting the Cartesian separation of mind and body.

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Description

Explore the prominent figures in Western philosophy, including Socrates, Plato, St. Augustine, and Descartes. This quiz covers their major contributions and philosophical concepts that have shaped Western thought. Test your knowledge on the foundational ideas that continue to influence philosophy today.