Unit 1 Philosophy Terms

Metaphysics

The study of existence and reality.

Teleology

The purpose of being and existence.

Ontology

The study of the nature of being and existence.

Cosmology

The nature and origins of the universe.

Determinism

The issue of fate or free will.

Epistemology

The study of knowledge.

Rationalism

All knowledge is derived from reason and logic.

Inductive reasoning

Forming generalizations from specific observations (probability).

Deductive Reasoning

Starting with a general principle that leads to a certain conclusion (certainty).

Logic

Greek word meaning 'argument' or 'reason'.

Empiricism

All knowledge derived from experiences and experimentation.

Axiology

Study of ethics, aesthetics, morality, and values.

Aesthetics

Branch of philosophy that examines nature and appreciation of beauty, art, and taste.

Ethics

Branch of philosophy that studies the principles of right and wrong behaviors, moral duty, and moral value.

MetaEthics

Examines nature, scope, and meaning of ethical concepts.

Normative Ethics

Concerned with identifying principles that guide our moral decisions and behavior.

Descriptive Ethics

Observes and studies moral beliefs and practices across different cultures and societies (comparison).

Applied Ethics

Intentional application of ethical philosophy for self and societal improvement.

Consequentialist

One who believes that an act that maximizes well-being and happiness is a good act.

Deontologist

One who believes that the action determines its morality.

Utilitarianism

Form of consequentialism that aims to maximize overall happiness or utility.

Moral realism

Belief that some things are really right or wrong, no matter what anyone thinks.

Moral relativism

Idea that what’s right or wrong can change depending on who you ask or where you are.

Value Theory

examines broader concepts of value (instrument & intrinsic value)

Instrument Value

what has value because its usefulness in achieving other goals

Intrinsic Value

what is valuable in itself

top-down thinking

start w/ an idea then come to a conclusion (deductive)

bottom-up thinking

group of ideas coming together to form a logical idea (inductive)

objectivism

some things are real & true despite how humans think about or interact w/ them

subjectivism

nothing’s absolute & everything is predicated & interrupted through individual

relativism

nothing’s absolute & everything is predicated & interrupted through lens of culture, society, community, history, or religion

representationalism

knowledge exists innately in the conscious innate idea

revelation

knowledge is given by others

skepticism

can’t be certain that we know anything

Disorder/non-design

living beings originated from inanimate things COSMOLOGY

Intelligent design

all life originates from specific design & action of a higher being (normally God) COSMOLOGY

Panspermia

life formed by things in outer space

Aristotle teleology

happiness

Westminster Confession (Christian Creed) teleology

chief end of man is to glorify God & enjoy Him forever

Heidegger

to live w/o denial of true human condition, particularly death

• Maximizes benefits & utility

• Minimizes pain & uselessness

John Dewey

The viewer is insignificant to a thing being art, the creator is everything

Leo Tolstoy

The viewer is the judge of a thing being art, the creator’s intent doesn’t matter

Monroe Beardsley

The function is the judge of a thing being art, the not peoples reception or the creator’s intent

Plato

Art is a distraction that allows our emotions and spirited parts of our soul to rule us

Artistotle

art is a “catharsis” - allows us to express & feel emotions

RG Collingwood

art is 2 categories: amusement art/craft art or magic art/proper art

amusement art/craft art

escape from reality

magic art/art proper

helps audience learn how to best interact w/ reality