Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person - Lesson 2

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Lesson 2 on truth, evidence, propositions, and bias.

Truth

An accepted statement that agrees with facts and reality; it must be supported by factual evidence; without sufficient evidence, the statement is an opinion.

Evidence

Facts, data, or observations used to support a claim and verify its truth.

Fact

A statement about reality that can be shown to be true, based on direct evidence, actual experience, or observation.

Proposition

A statement about the world that may or may not carry truth; usually stated as a short sentence.

Opinion

A statement of belief or feeling about a subject; subjective and not necessarily proven by evidence.

Claim

A statement that is not evidently or immediately known to be true; an asserted position.

Belief

A conviction that is not easily explained by fact; expresses a belief or conviction.

Conclusion

A judgement based on certain facts; a decision drawn from evidence.

Explanation

A statement that provides reasons why a claim is true; gives rationale or justification.

Argument

A series of statements that provide reasons to convince others that a claim or opinion is truthful.

Critical thinking

The disciplined, evidence-based process of evaluating truth, sources, and arguments; includes recognizing biases and fallacies.

Fallacy

A faulty or misleading pattern of reasoning that weakens an argument.

Ad hominem

Attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself.

Appeal to force

Using threats or coercion to gain acceptance of a claim.

Appeal to emotion

Using pity, fear, or other emotions to influence belief rather than evidence.

Appeal to popular

Arguing that a claim is true because many people believe it.

Fallacy of composition

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

Bias

A predisposition or prejudice that colors judgment and can affect objectivity.

Conflict of Interest

A situation where a person or group has a vested interest that may influence their judgment.

Cultural bias

Interpreting events based on one’s own cultural standards rather than universal criteria.

Correspondence bias

Tendency to attribute a person’s actions to their character rather than external factors (also called attribution effects).

Confirmation bias

Tendency to seek or interpret information in a way that confirms one’s preconceptions while ignoring contrary evidence.