Philosophy Course Introduction

Flashcards containing key concepts, definitions, and discussions from the philosophy course introduction.

Philosophy

Concerned with the most general and foundational principles in any area it examines.

Metaphysics

Study of reality; examines what kinds of things exist and the nature of causation.

Aesthetics

Philosophy of art; explores criteria for good/bad art and objectivity of taste.

Ethics

Study of morality; investigates principles of right and wrong.

Political Philosophy

Fundamental principles of politics and governance, examining what should be.

Epistemology

Branch of philosophy concerning the nature and limits of knowledge.

Justified True Belief (JTB)

Tripartite theory of knowledge that asserts knowledge includes belief, truth, and justification.

Gettier Problem

Challenges the traditional definition of knowledge (JTB) by providing counterexamples.

Epistemological Skepticism

Doubt regarding the possibility of knowledge, particularly about the external world.

Suffix 'ology'

Indicates a systematic study or rational account, derived from the Greek 'logos'.

Suffix 'ism'

Suggests a tendency, doctrine, or way of thinking, often with negative connotations.

Belief

A conviction or acceptance that something is true.

Truth

A proposition that must correspond to reality for a belief to constitute knowledge.

Justification

Good reasons or evidence that support holding a belief.

Philosophy of Mind

Explores the nature of the mind and its relationship to reality.

Socratic questioning

Method of probing underlying assumptions and definitions through dialogue.