Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering the nature, principles, notable philosophers, and branches of philosophy as discussed in class.

Philosophia

The Greek word for Philosophy, derived from 'Philo' meaning Love and 'Sophia' meaning Wisdom.

Natural light of Reason

The use of natural capacity or human reason alone, also known as unaided reason, to investigate things.

First Cause or Highest Principle

The fourth common meaning of Philosophy which identifies it as a study of the ultimate origins or principles.

Holistic Perspective

Understanding the whole situation by not limiting inquiry to a particular object and avoiding jumping to conclusions.

Socratic Method

A technique developed by Socrates involving asking questions rather than answering them to explain things with evidence.

Unexamined life

According to Socrates, this life is not worth living.

Plato

A friend of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle who emphasized creative dialog and reasoning.

Aristotle

A philosopher known for his focus on observation, investigation, and logical reasoning.

Thomas Hobbes

A philosopher who studied human behavior, society, and the rule of the government.

St. Thomas Aquinas

A saint and philosopher who argued that faith and reason can work together.

Principle of Identity

The principle stating that whatever it is, it is; everything is its own being and not being is not.

Principle of Non-Contradiction

The principle stating it is impossible for a thing to be and not be at the same time and in the same respect.

Principle of Excluded Middle

The logical principle that something must be either true or false.

Metaphysics

The branch of philosophy derived from 'meta' (beyond/after) and 'physika' (physical/nature) that deals with reality and existence.

Logic

Derived from the Greek word 'logike', it is a treatise on matters pertaining to human thought and the distinction between correct and incorrect reasoning.

Epistemology

The study of knowledge, including its kinds, sources, and conditions, derived from 'episteme' and 'logos'.

Ethics

The branch of philosophy concerned with morality, derived from the Greek 'ethos' meaning custom or habit.

Aesthetics

The branch of philosophy involving judgments about beauty.