Philosophy: A History of Ideas Midterm Review

Vocabulary terms and key concepts covering Ancient Greek philosophy (Socrates, Plato) and Medieval philosophy (Augustine) for the history of ideas midterm.

Philosophy

Derived from the Greek words for "love of wisdom."

Absolutism

The philosophical belief that there are absolute truths or universal principles that apply to everyone, everywhere.

Relativism

The view that truth and morality are relative to the individual, culture, or context, rather than being absolute.

Solipsism

The extreme philosophical position that only one's own mind is sure to exist.

Socratic Method

A form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to draw out ideas and underlying presuppositions.

Piety (Euthyphro)

The central topic of the Euthyphro dialogue; Euthyphro attempts to define it through several definitions which Socrates subsequently criticizes.

The Allegory of the Cave

A symbolical narrative from Plato's Republic illustrating the effects of education on the human soul and the journey from ignorance to enlightenment.

Shadows (Allegory of the Cave)

Symbols for the illusions or false realities that the prisoners mistake for the truth.

The Sun (Allegory of the Cave)

Represents the Form of the Good, the ultimate source of truth and reason.

Official Charge against Socrates

The formal accusations brought against Socrates in the Apology, involving corrupting the youth and impiety (not believing in the gods of the state).

Oracle at Delphi

The source of the prophecy that declared no man was wiser than Socrates, prompting his philosophical mission.

Daimon (or "divine sign")

The internal voice or sign that Socrates claimed warned him against specific actions, mentioned in the Apology.

Crito

The dialogue where Socrates presents arguments as to why he should not break out of prison, emphasizing his duty to the laws of Athens.

Phaedo

The dialogue containing the death scene and Socrates' final deeds and words.

Gooners

A term used by Daniel Kolitz in "The Goon Squad" referring to a specific subculture involved in compulsive pornographic consumption.

Pornosexual

A term from Daniel Kolitz's "The Goon Squad" used to describe an identity or state centered around pornographic media.

Goonstate

A trance-like state of mind associated with the consumption of "goonfuel."

The Pear Tree

An episode in Augustine's Confessions where he steals fruit not because he is hungry, but for the sake of the sin itself, illustrating the nature of human depravity.

Manicheanism

A dualistic religious system founded in Persia that Augustine followed before his conversion, which views the world as a struggle between light and darkness.

Original Sin

The Christian doctrine regarding the inherent state of sin in humanity, which Augustine discusses in his Confessions.

Divided Will

Augustine's account of his internal struggle during his conversion, where he feels pulled between his lustful desires and his spiritual aspirations.

Salvation

In Augustine's view, the deliverance from sin and its consequences, achieved specifically through Jesus.