IB Philosophy 2025-2026 Junior Year

logic

the study of correct reasoning

axioms

things that are assumed to be true for the purposes of the argument

are accepted in the context of the argument

what does it mean to prove something?

to establish something beyond a reasonable doubt

deductive reasoning

when you can draw a conclusion from certain premises

general claim —> application to case —> conclusions read: case

inductive reasoning

when you have evidence but the conclusion does not follow, you have to infer the conclusion

tells us what conclusions are probable on the basis of evidence

instances lead to the larger generalities

what are the laws of thought?

the law of identity

the law of noncontradiction

the law of excluded middle

what is the law of identity

A is A

what is the law of noncontradiction

nothing can be both A and not A at the same time

the law of excluded middle

everything is either A or not A

what does it mean to have a valid argument

the structure of an argument is good. the argument has structure/form

what makes an argument sound?

when the premises are true

tautology

to say something in different ways

dogma

unquestioned belief

What are the allegory elements in Plato’s cave?

the shadows

objects casting shadows

the outside world

the sun

the escaped prisoner

what do the shadows in plato’s cave represent?

illusions, opinions, sensory, anything that is not real

what do the objects casting shadows represent in plato’s cave?

the physical things casting the shadows, still imperfect but more real than shadows

what does the outside world in plato’s cave represent?

the realm of the forms (true reality)

what does the sun represent in plato’s cave?

the form of the good, the source of truth and understanding

what does the escaped prisoner represent in plato’s cave?

the philosopher who seeks truth beyond appearances

what are the forms?

eternal truths that are universal and unchanging

but the more personal something is the more flawed it is

what does plato’s cave say about a philosopher’s mission?

they try to seek truth beyond appearances

discern truth from illusion

philosophers question these appearances and seek deeper truths

socrates does this by advocating to democratize philosophy

what does plato say philosophers experience in plato’s cave?

they experience pain and resistance

leaving the cave is painful and the truth is overwhelming

when the philosopher returns, they’re mocked

plato suggests society resists enlightenment because it threatens comfort and conformity

what does plato say philosophers have in plato’s cave?

philosophers have a moral duty

once philosophers gain more knowledge, they have a responsibility to share it to others

Plato believes philosophers must try to educate and liberate others

reflects plato’s belief in a philosopher king

but there must be willingness from the shackled to listen as well

what does plato believe about a philosopher’s journey in plato’s cave?

it is a lifelong journey

it isn’t just about learning but about transforming the soul

it’s about moving from ignorance to knowledge, from darkness to light

the journey never truly ends, the philosopher keeps questioning and growing