Philosophy - Key Terms (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on philosophy, including Western and Eastern thinkers and core concepts.

Philosophy

Etymology: philosophia = love of wisdom. General definition: the study of fundamental questions about life, existence, reality, values, and knowledge; seeks to understand human existence and the world through critical and rational thinking.

Socratic Method

A method of questioning to stimulate critical thinking; the modern foundation of philosophical inquiry.

Intellectual Humility (Socratic Ignorance)

The idea that true wisdom comes from knowing nothing; encourages openness to learning.

Unexamined Life

The belief that 'the unexamined life is not worth living,' emphasizing constant self-reflection to discern right from wrong.

Theory of Forms

The belief that the physical world is imperfect and that perfect forms exist in a higher realm; physical objects are reflections of these forms.

Allegory of the Cave

A story illustrating ignorance and enlightenment: education leads from shadows to knowledge; a Philosopher King is someone freed from the cave.

The Academy

The first higher education institution in the ancient West; precursor to modern universities.

Syllogism

A formal logical argument where two or more premises lead to a conclusion; requires valid premises for a sound conclusion.

Golden Mean

Virtue lies in the balance between extremes; examples include courage between recklessness and cowardice, and patience between passivity and rage.

Five Key Relationships (Confucius)

Ruler–subject, Father–son, Husband–wife, Older–younger sibling, Friend–friend; foundational for social harmony and loyalty.

Xiao

Filial Piety; respect and loyalty toward one’s elders and parents.

Golden Rule (Confucius)

Don’t do to others what you don’t want others do unto you.

Ren

Benevolence or kindness; compassion and empathy toward others.

Yi

Righteousness; doing what is right because it is right, not for personal gain.

Li

Ritual propriety; respect for traditions and proper behavior.

Zhi

Wisdom; learning from experience, listening to advice, and self-education to do what is right.

Xin

Integrity; genuine honesty and loyalty.

Tao (Dao)

The Way; the natural order of the universe; true wisdom comes from living in harmony with the Tao.

Wu Wei

Effortless action; going with the flow and not forcing things.

Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

Founder of Buddhism; taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, emphasizing impermanence, karma, rebirth, and nirvana.

Four Noble Truths

1) Life is suffering (Dukkha); 2) Suffering comes from desire; 3) There is a way to end suffering; 4) The way is the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path

Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration; a path to ethical living and mental discipline.

Impermanence (Anicca)

The idea that there is no permanent self; clinging causes suffering; transformation is possible through the Eightfold Path.

Karma

Action and its consequences shape future experiences and rebirth.

Rebirth

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth influenced by karma; liberation ends the cycle.

Nirvana

Liberation from the cycle of rebirth and the end of suffering.