Phil 101 (1)

What does the word “philosophy” literally mean?

Lover of wisdom.

According to Plato and Aristotle, what does philosophy begin in?

Wonder.

What is philosophy not, in contrast to the common use of the term?

Not just “having a philosophy” (a set of unproven beliefs).

What is Bertrand Russell’s definition of philosophy?

“The point of philosophy is to start with something so simple as not to seem worth stating, and to end with something so paradoxical that no one will believe it.”

What is Daniel Dennett’s definition of philosophy?

“Philosophy is what you do when you don’t yet know what the right questions are to ask.”

According to Sober, what does philosophy examine?

The fundamental assumptions we make about ourselves and the world, testing if they are rationally defensible.

How does philosophy relate to common sense?

It questions whether common sense beliefs (e.g., free will, morality, knowledge) are justified or just prejudices.

What is the difference between “common sense belief” and “common sense knowledge”?

Belief = assumption (e.g., the sun revolves around Earth); Knowledge = justified, rationally defensible.

How did Copernicus challenge common sense?

By showing that motion is perspectival (depends on observer), exposing the difference between reality and appearance.

What is conceptual engineering?

The study and clarification of concepts; asking what things under a concept share and how they differ.

What is the emphasis of philosophy as a discipline?

Argument and rational justification.

What is the difference between a math question and a philosophical math question?

Math: solve (e.g., 2x = 5); Philosophy: what is a number?

What is the difference between a physics question and a philosophical physics question?

Physics: describe motion (e.g., planets orbit sun); Philosophy: what is a law of nature?

What is the difference between a legal law and a philosophical legal question?

Law: must be 18 to vote; Philosophy: is the law just?

What does metaphysics study?

The fundamental nature of reality (what exists, causation, what is real vs. apparent, identity).

What are core questions of metaphysics?

What is the world made of? How does causation work? What is real vs. apparent? What am I?

What does epistemology study?

The nature of knowledge, justification, and belief.

What are core questions of epistemology?

What is knowledge? Can I know anything? When is belief justified? Can I know things independent of experience?

What is the difference between belief and knowledge?

Belief = holding something true; Knowledge = justified true belief (something more than belief).

What is the relationship between subjective vs. objective realms in philosophy?

Science = objective facts vs. opinions; Ethics = debates whether there are objective ethical facts or only opinions.