PHIL MIDTERM

Socrates’ Objection to Knowledge as Perception

Socrates argues perception can be unreliable and misleading.

Knowledge as 'True Opinion with an Account'

Socrates defines knowledge as having a true belief supported by explanation or reasoning.

William James – Living vs. Dead Option

An option is 'living' if both hypotheses feel real or possible to the person.

William James – Pascal’s Wager

James finds Pascal's Wager unconvincing because belief cannot be chosen out of self-interest or fear.

Descartes – Perfect Knowledge

Descartes searches for knowledge that is absolutely certain and beyond doubt.

Descartes – 'I Think, Therefore I Am'

Descartes realizes that even if deceived, he must exist to be deceived.

Susan Brison – Self as Narrative Construction

Brison claims the self is a narrative construction because identity is built through the stories we tell about our lives.

Sally Haslanger – Social Construction of Concepts

Haslanger means a concept is 'socially constructed' as it is shaped by social practices, norms, and beliefs.

Patricia Hill Collins – Structural Domain of Power

The structural domain maintains inequality through institutions and policies.

Iris Marion Young – Reality of Social Groups

Young describes social groups as 'real' because they reflect actual social patterns and power relations.

Socrates’ Midwife Analogy

Socrates compares himself to a midwife helping others give birth to their ideas.

William James – Scientific vs. Moral Questions

James distinguishes between scientific and moral questions because moral choices often require belief before full evidence is available.

Descartes – Evil Spirit Thought Experiment

The purpose of Descartes’ 'evil spirit' thought experiment is to test how far doubt can go and find something indubitable.

Susan Brison – Trauma and the Self

Brison explains that trauma disrupts individuals' sense of self and makes life feel disconnected.

Sally Haslanger – Social Meaning of Objects

According to Haslanger, a graduation cap has meaning because society assigns it symbolic value.

Patricia Hill Collins – Hegemonic Domain of Power

The hegemonic domain of power maintains inequality by shaping beliefs and norms through media, education, and culture.