Introduction to Philosophy, Its Branches, and Foundations of Logic

These flashcards review core definitions, distinctions, and nursing applications of major philosophical branches, as well as foundational concepts in logic and reasoning drawn from the lecture notes.

What is the etymological meaning of the word “philosophy”?

It comes from the Greek words “philo” (love) and “sophos” (wisdom), meaning “love of wisdom.”

Provide a concise definition of philosophy.

Philosophy is the systematic inquiry into the principles and presuppositions of any field of study.

According to the lecture, what is the great virtue of philosophy?

It teaches not what to think, but how to think.

Differentiate knowledge from wisdom using the tomato analogy given in class.

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.

Complete the statement: “Wisdom is __ intelligence.”

applied

List four reasons why studying philosophy is important in nursing.

It enhances critical thinking, guides ethical decisions, promotes clear communication, and strengthens compassion and moral integrity.

Name the four traditional ‘main’ branches of philosophy highlighted in the notes.

Axiology, Epistemology, Ontology/Metaphysics, and Logic.

Identify three additional branches of philosophy mentioned that extend beyond the traditional four.

Theodicy, Social Philosophy, and Philosophy of Man.

What is the focus of Logic as a branch of philosophy?

The study of reasoning and valid arguments, concerned with principles of correct reasoning.

How does logic help nurses, according to the notes?

It helps nurses make sound clinical decisions and avoid false assumptions.

What central questions does Ontology study?

Questions about being and existence, such as “What is a person?” and “What is identity?”

Give one nursing-related application of Ontology.

Understanding issues related to death, identity, or consciousness in patient care.

What does Cosmology investigate?

The nature and origin of the universe.

Define Theodicy and explain how it differs from theology.

Theodicy studies God using reason and experience, whereas theology studies God based on revealed scripture like the Bible.

How can Theodicy benefit nursing practice?

By fostering compassionate care for patients experiencing spiritual distress.

State the main concern of Epistemology.

The study of knowledge—its nature, scope, limits, and methods.

Give one example of how Epistemology is relevant to nurses.

It helps nurses distinguish fact from belief when evaluating evidence-based practice.

What does Ethics (Axiology) study?

Values and morality.

Provide two cited benefits of living ethically from the lecture.

Ethics allows you to live an authentic life and promotes a stable society.

Define Aesthetics.

The philosophical study of beauty and sensory experience.

Differentiate objective beauty from subjective beauty.

Objective beauty is independent of the mind; subjective beauty depends entirely on the observer’s mind.

Give one way Aesthetics applies to nursing.

By guiding the creation of healing and comforting environments for patients.

What is Social Philosophy concerned with?

The study of human interactions in society and relationships among individuals and groups.

List two social-justice issues Social Philosophy addresses in nursing.

Health equity and access to care.

What central aim characterizes the Philosophy of Man?

Exploring what it means to be fully human, including freedom, dignity, love, and death.

Translate and explain the Tagalog maxim cited: “Madaling maging tao, mahirap magpakatao.”

“It’s easy to be human, but hard to act like one,” highlighting the ethical challenge of living authentically.

Define logic in one sentence, as provided in the notes.

Logic is the study of the principles and criteria of valid inference and demonstration.

What are the two basic types of reasoning under logic’s classification?

Inductive reasoning and Deductive reasoning.

Explain inductive reasoning in one phrase.

Moving from specific instances to a generalized conclusion.

Explain deductive reasoning in one phrase.

Moving from general principles known to be true to a specific true conclusion.

What does Formal Logic study?

The structure or form of propositions and arguments, focusing on validity over truth of content.

What does Material Logic emphasize?

The content or substance of arguments, dealing with the truth or falsity of statements.

Give one distinguishing feature between Formal and Material Logic.

Formal Logic is interested in structure; Material Logic is concerned with content.

Define Natural Logic.

A type of personal, common-sense reasoning based on everyday experience without formal study.

State one key characteristic of Natural Logic.

It occurs spontaneously and helps resolve daily issues.

Define Scientific Logic.

Natural logic trained by systematic knowledge of logical principles, laws, and methods.

What is Symbolic Logic also called, and what is its core feature?

Also called first-order or mathematical logic; it represents arguments with symbols to create formal structures.

Give one purpose of Symbolic Logic.

To use calculation laws for avoiding confusion and proving theorems.

List three benefits of studying logic mentioned under its importance.

Develops clarity and validity in reasoning, aids wise decision-making, and contributes to quality of life.

Why is logic described as both an art and a science?

As a science, it systematically studies reasoning rules; as an art, it creatively applies those rules to think accurately and elegantly.

Name the three liberal arts that make up the Trivium.

Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric.

What is the first of the three operations of the mind introduced and what does it entail?

Simple Apprehension—forming a general concept of something without judgment.

Fill in the blank: Logic is a foundational discipline especially useful for students preparing for , Philosophy, and Law.

medical courses

Complete the quote from the notes: “Life is just a moment. it. it. Enjoy it. Embrace it.”

Live; Love