Philosophy Midterm

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy is the creative and critical inquiry into the most fundamental questions of reality, knowledge, & value.

All Philosophical claims must be ─────── justified

All Philosophical claims must be rationally justified

What is metaphysics?

Study of the fundamental nature of reality, questions dealing with reality & existence.

Epistemology

Study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, our justification.

Ethics

Study of the fundamental nature of good conduct and good character, questions about what we ought to do or about the good life, good character would apply now.

What is knowledge?

Epistemology

What is the distinction between reality and our senses?

Metaphysics

How much of a role should charity play in my life?

Ethics

Even though a liar and a bullshitter may not tell the truth, what make the two different?

A liar cares about the truth and tries to hide it, a bullshitter doesnt care about the truth and only cares about getting you to agree to something.

What is a lie of omission?

Intentially leaves out information while also stating the truth, a half lie.

What is a lie of comission?

An explicit lie

What is Sissela Bok’s position on lying?

• Lying effects your credibility

• The more you do it the more it comes natural and habitual to you

• When you keep lying the consquences increase

What kind of belief has you completely sure that it’s true?

Certain or definite has specific evidence behind it.

What is it called when your not all the way sure that a belief is justified?

Probable, there’s still a chance that it can be wrong

How do we “wear" our beliefs?

Your beliefs can manifest in other aspects of your life, for example in dire situations when your true colors show.

What is the danger of acting on unjustified beliefs?

• They can cause harm to others

• We have an ethical obligation, never act on an unjustified belief

Indicator words for premises

Because, given that, as well as, furthermore, for the reason that, additionally, finally

Indicator words for conclusion

Therefore, it follows that, this, so, consquently, hence, thus, finally, in conclusion

When I ask “why” of one of the statements, and all of rest attempt to answer that “why” I have landed on a ───────?

conclusion

What is an inductive argument?

• The conclusion is taken to follow probably from the premise

• You don’t have all the info you need to come to a surefire answer

What is a deductive argument?

• The conclusion is taken to follow necesscarily from the premise 

• You have all the info you need to come to a conclusion

Socratic method and its effect on others leading to socrates being tried for?

Corrupting the youth, he was not a teacher and didnt charge, and heresey = having belief contrary to orthodox religion

What are Sophists

• Not seekers of the truth, wanting to establish money fame, and popularity

What are the two major responsibilites that gadflies give us

• Are you willing to risk your life for something you value

• Your complicit when your complacent