Philosophy Term 2 Exam Revision

Ways of knowing: Knowledge, Truth and Belief and Introduction to Logic and Reasoning

Define Belief

Beliefs are foundational to identity, they guide perceptions, emotions and decisions.

Define Proposition

a statement about the world

What is relativism?

The idea that truth depends on perspective or context; the idea that there is no absolute truth

What is reason?

the capacity for logical, reflective and critical thought

What is logic?

the study of reasoning

What is conviction?

a firmly held belief or opinion

What is rationality?

Being based on valid reasoning

What is certainty?

A firm conviction that something is true

What is opinion?

A view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge

What is knowledge?

knowledge is a justified true belief

What is faith?

complete trust or confidence in something

What is an assumption?

A belief perceived to be true but not based on facts

What is truth?

the quality or state of being true

What is a premise?

a previous statement that precedes a conclusion

What are the 3 things you need for a belief to be true?

truth, belief and justification

What is inductive logic?

A premise is probable, the conclusion might still be false

What is deductive logic?

If the premise is true, the conclusion must be true

What is the flaw in relativism?

If nothing is absolute, how can you be absolutely sure?

Characteristics of Inductive reasoning

Logically true, but realistically may or may not be true, inductive arguments predict or generalise

Characteristics of deductive reasoning

Logically true and realistically true

Is this argument inductive or deductive: pfeffster wore a green tie and it rained, next time pfeffy wears a green tie it will rain.

Inductive - a green tie does not correspond to weather

Is this argument inductive or deductive and why:

All students are bright, Tushaar is a student, Tushaar is bright.

Deductive - both premises are true therefore the conclusion is true

Is this argument inductive or deductive and why:

Oh no! It’s raining; my wedding will be ruined!

inductive - raining does not guarantee a bad wedding

Is this argument inductive or deductive and why: She is either honest or a fool. She’s no fool, so she must be honest.

Deductive - both premises are true therefore the conclusion is true

Is this argument inductive or deductive and why: My nose itches, so i’m probably going to have a fight

Inductive - no premise matches the conclusion

What is an analogy?

a comparison between one thing and another, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification

What is a generalisation?

a general statement based on inference

What is a truth claim?

A statement that is believed or claimed to be true, even if is not based on truth