philosophy exam 2 GBSDJGBIBGD

Ontology

The branch of philosophy that studies the nature of reality and existence.

Key Question of Ontology

What exists? Is the world made of only physical stuff (materialism), or are there non-physical things like thoughts and souls (dualism)?

Example of Ontology

Descartes believed the mind and body were separate, while Hobbes believed only matter exists.

Epistemology

The study of knowledge and how we come to understand the world.

Key Question of Epistemology

Can we trust our senses, or could they deceive us?

Example of Epistemology

Descartes questioned reality, asking if an 'evil demon' could be deceiving him.

Teleology

The belief that things have a goal or purpose, often seen in religious or philosophical thinking.

Example of Teleology

Aristotle believed eyes exist for the purpose of seeing, which is called 'the plan'.

Efficient Causation

A concept that describes how events are caused by previous actions.

Example of Efficient Causation

A chair exists because someone built it.

Hobbes vs. Descartes on Efficient Causation

Hobbes believed in efficient causes based on matter and motion; Descartes believed God could cause without direct interaction.

Thomas Hobbes

A philosopher who believed everything is made of matter and motion, denying the existence of the soul.

Key Work of Hobbes

Leviathan (1651).

Hobbes’ State of Nature

Without government, people would live in constant fear and conflict.

Hobbes’ Social Contract

People give up some freedom in exchange for security under a strong ruler.

Hobbes on Epistemology

Believed all knowledge comes from the senses; thoughts are motions in the brain.

Quote Clue for Hobbes

If the quote talks about humans being selfish, needing authority, or avoiding chaos.

René Descartes

A philosopher who believed the mind and body are two separate substances.

Key Work of Descartes

Meditations on First Philosophy.

Descartes’ Mind

Thinks and has no physical location.

Descartes’ Body

Occupies space and follows physical laws.

Key Concept of Cartesian Doubt

Doubting everything to find what is absolutely certain.

Cogito Ergo Sum

'I think, therefore I am.'

Evil Demon Hypothesis

Descartes imagined a scenario where an evil demon deceives him, leading him to doubt his senses.

Proof of God’s Existence by Descartes

He argued that the idea of a perfect God must come from something real and perfect.

Quote Clue for Descartes

If the quote discusses doubt, thinking, the separation of mind and body, or proving God’s existence.

Princess Elizabeth of Bohemia

Criticized Descartes’ mind-body dualism.

Princess Elizabeth’s Objection

Questioned how a non-physical mind could cause a physical body to move.

Leibniz

A philosopher who believed reality is fundamentally made of minds and ideas.

Key Work of Leibniz

Letters to De Volder.

Concept of Pre-Established Harmony

Instead of direct interaction, God set the mind and body to run in synchronization.

Leibniz on Force

Argued that motion isn’t just a change in position but involves an internal force.

Unity and Identity in Leibniz’s Philosophy

True unity is not just physical closeness but a mental or conceptual unity.

Quote Clue for Leibniz

If the quote discusses force, harmony, or the nature of unity and identity.

Hobbes’ View on Human Nature

Talks about materialism, humans being selfish, or the need for a strong ruler.

Hobbes’ Themes

Mentions fear, war, or the 'state of nature' in quotes.

Descartes’ Themes

Discusses thinking, doubting, or proving existence.

Themes in Descartes’ Quotes

Mentions God, the soul, or the separation of mind and body.

Princess Elizabeth's Themes

Questions how the non-physical mind can move a physical body.

Leibniz’s Themes

Talks about force, pre-established harmony, or the unity of objects.

Materialism

The belief that everything is made of matter and motion.

Descartes and the Mind-Body Problem

Believed the mind and body are distinct and interact.

Hobbes’ Concept of the Social Contract

An agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules for protection.

Key Difference between Hobbes and Descartes

Hobbes focused on material reality, while Descartes emphasized dualism and the certainty of thought.

Princess Elizabeth's Contribution

She critically engaged with Descartes' ideas about dualism.

Leibniz’s Understanding of Motion

Involves an internal force not just external change.

Role of God in Leibniz’s Philosophy

God synchronizes the mind and body without direct interaction.

Descartes' Process of Doubt

A method to strip away uncertainties to find indubitable truths.

Hobbes' View of the Natural State

A pessimistic view of human nature without governing authority.

Concept of Teleology in Philosophy

Exploration of whether there is an inherent purpose in existence.

Efficient Cause vs. Final Cause

Efficient cause refers to the action leading to an effect, final cause refers to the purpose behind it.

Interpretation of Cartesian Doubt

A foundation for establishing certainty in knowledge by questioning everything.

Importance of the Social Contract

Allows for the establishment of authority and order in society.

How Hobbes Views Knowledge

As derived purely from sensory experiences and material interactions.

Dualism

The philosophical position that mind and body are fundamentally different in nature.

Idealism

The philosophy that reality is fundamentally mental or immaterial.

Material Interaction in Hobbes' Philosophy

The view that all events are based on physical causes and relationships.

Critique of Cartesian Dualism by Elizabeth

Challenges the interaction between mind and body based on physical evidence.

Purpose of the Mind according to Descartes

To think and process which exists separately from the material body.

Philosophical Method of Leibniz

Utilizes a conceptual approach to understanding the unity of reality.

Impact of the Evil Demon Hypothesis

A significant challenge in epistemology causing skepticism about knowledge.

Expressed Need for Government in Hobbes’ View

Essential for maintaining order and preventing human conflict.

Understanding Force in the Context of Leibniz

Defines motion as a deeper relationship rather than simple movement.

Nature of Knowledge in Hobbes' Epistemology

All knowledge is based on the physical, sensory experience.

Realism vs. Idealism Debate

Contrasting perspectives on whether reality is based on physical substances or ideas.

The ‘State of Nature’ Concept

A theoretical concept used by Hobbes to describe human existence without societal structure.

Impact of Descartes’ 'Cogito'

Marks a foundational moment in modern philosophy emphasizing thought as proof of existence.

Role of Quotes for Identification

Recognizing philosophical authorship through thematic elements.

Principia Philosophiae

Common reference to philosophical texts that contribute to discussions on mind and body.

Epicurean vs. Hobbesian Views

Contrasting philosophies regarding human nature and social contracts.

Leibniz’s Unique Argument

Proposes that external forces are governed by internal harmonies.

Analyzing Materialism

Understanding Hobbes and the grounding of reality based on physical evidence.

Philosophical Influence of Hobbes

Significant impact on political philosophy and theories of human nature.

Concept of the Mind in Epistemology

Explored in the context of sensory reliability and the nature of understanding.

Final Thoughts on Philosophical Inquiry

Engagement with big questions about existence, knowledge, and purpose.

Hobbesian Materialistic Perspective

States that consciousness arises from physical processes.

Descartes’ Methodology

Involves systematic doubt to establish true knowledge.

Utilization of Force in Leibniz’s Work

An exploration of how force affects change and perception.

Critical Examination of Ideas

A fundamental characteristic of philosophical thought in addressing existence.

Understanding the Nature of Reality

Essential theme in philosophy that explores what is fundamentally true.

Philosophical Dialogue and Debate

Continuous examination and discussion of foundational ideas remain crucial.