PHIL 101 Exam 1 pt. 1

In common usage, what does “having a philosophy” mean?

Having a set of beliefs that are hard to prove true

Why is the common usage of “philosophy” misleading?

Philosophy is a rational, critical inquiry into fundamental questions

What did Plato and Aristotle think philosophy begins in?

Wonder

What does “philosophy” literally mean?

Lover of wisdom

What are some examples of common sense beliefs?

Free will, difference between right and wrong, knowledge of the world around us

What does philosophy seek to determine about common sense beliefs?

Whether they have rational justification or are just prejudices

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

Knowledge can be rationally defended, while belief may simply be assume

What is conceptual engineering?

The study and clarification of concepts, analyzing what falls under a concept and what doesn’t

How does conceptual engineering usually proceed?

Through reasoning, sometimes with observations

Who emphasized the importance of conceptual engineering?

Einstein

What is metaphysics?

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

What is epistemology?

The study of knowledge — its nature, possibility, and justification

What is the philosophical problem of belief and knowledge?

Determining the difference between mere belief, true belief, and knowledge

What belongs to the objective realm?

Science and facts

What belongs to the subjective realm?

Opinions