Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering key philosophers, logical fallacies, cognitive biases, and concepts of freedom based on an introductory philosophy diagnostic test.

Pythagoras

A mathematician and scientist credited with formulating a theorem.

Heraclitus

Proposed that everything that exists is based on a higher order plan which he called logos.

Democritus

Among the first to propose that matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms.

Diogenes of Sinope

A known advocate of living a simple virtuous life.

Epicurus

Believed that philosophy could enable man to live a life of happiness.

Socrates

Considered the foremost philosopher of ancient times.

Plato

His teachings and writing were considered the foundation of western philosophy.

Epicureanism

A school of philosophy which believes that wisdom and simple living will result in a life free of fear and pain.

Aristotle

Believed all ideas and views are based on perception and that reality is based on what we can sense and perceive.

Deductive reasoning

The process by which specific statements are analyzed to reach a conclusion or generalization.

Fallacy

An error in deductive reasoning.

Bias

A personal view of a person presenting it that is more subjective.

Ad hominem

Attacking a person presenting the argument instead of the argument itself.

Appeal to tradition

The idea that something is acceptable because it has been true for a long time.

Appeal to force

Using the threat of force or an undesirable event to advance an argument.

Appeal to popular

Presenting an idea as acceptable because a lot of people accept it.

Appeal to emotion

Using emotion such as pity or sympathy to advance an argument.

Fallacy of division

Assuming that what is true for the whole is true for its part.

Begging the question

Assuming the thing or idea to be proven is true; also known as a circular argument.

Fallacy of composition

Assuming that what is true of a part is true for the whole.

Cause-and-effect

Assuming a relationship between unrelated events.

Correspondence bias

The tendency to judge a person's personality by his or her actions without regard for external factors or influences; also known as the attribution effect.

Framing

Focusing on a certain aspect of a problem while ignoring other aspects.

Confirmation bias

The tendency to look for and readily accept information which fits one's own beliefs and to reject ideas that go against them.

Hindsight

The tendency to see past events as predictable or to ascribe a pattern to historical events.

Volition

According to Aristotle, the power to use or discharge one's will.

Freedom (St. Thomas Aquinas)

The manner in which intellectual beings seek universal goodness.

Existentialism

A philosophical principle, notably held by Jean-Paul Sartre, stating that existence precedes essence.

Social contract theory

An agreement between individuals to sacrifice some freedom for protection or to have a government.

Physical freedom

The absence of physical restraint.

Psychological freedom

The freedom to choose one's actions.

Moral freedom

Using freedom in a manner that upholds human dignity and goodness.

Positive freedom

The kind of freedom that requires active effort.

Negative freedom

The absence of interference.

Voluntariness

The ability of a person to act out of their own free will and self-determination.

Responsibility

Being accountable for one's actions and their consequences.

Moral decision

A decision based on ethics, manners, character, and what is believed to be proper behavior.

Moral dilemma

A situation where a person is forced to choose between two or more conflicting options, neither of which is acceptable.