Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, concepts, figures, methods, biases, and ethical perspectives from the lecture notes.

Philosophy

Philosophy is the rational and systematic examination of fundamental questions about knowledge, existence, reality, values, reason, language, ethics, and the nature of life.

Etymology of Philosophy

Philosophy comes from philos (love) + sophia (knowledge): Love of Knowledge.

Thales of Miletus

Often considered the first Greek philosopher; explained the natural world through rational inquiry and posited water as the basic substance of reality.

Pythagoras

Mathematician and philosopher known for the Pythagorean theorem; explored metaphysics and the nature of the soul; called “The First Lover of Wisdom.”

Socrates

Central figure in Western philosophy; emphasized self-examination and truth through questioning (Socratic method).

Plato

Socrates’ student; founded the Academy; explored metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy; wrote ‘The Republic’ on the ideal state and justice.

Aristotle

Plato’s student; contributed to logic, biology, ethics, and politics; stressed empirical observation and the middle way; pioneered deductive logic and syllogisms.

Epicurus

Founder of Epicureanism; pursued pleasure as the absence of pain, emphasizing tranquility and peace of mind.

Zeno of Citium

Founder of Stoicism; taught virtue and living in accordance with nature to achieve inner tranquility.

Diogenes of Sinope

Cynic philosopher known for an unconventional lifestyle and rejection of societal norms; advocated simple, natural living.

Heraclitus

Philosopher of change; asserted that everything flows (panta rhei) and that change is fundamental to the universe.

Panta rhei

Greek phrase meaning ‘everything flows,’ capturing Heraclitus’ view of constant change.

Why philosophize?

To think deeply, critically, and reflectively about fundamental questions; examine assumptions and consider different perspectives.

Wonder

The initial curiosity that prompts philosophical thinking; philosophy begins in wonder (Socrates).

Doubt

Skepticism used as a method to question beliefs; central to Descartes' approach to philosophy.

Experience (Karl Jaspers)

Experiences that challenge ideas and frameworks, sometimes called limit situations, prompting philosophical reflection.

Desire to Know

According to Aristotle, all humans by nature desire to know.

Docta Ignorantia

The idea of knowing what one does not know; starting point for wisdom.

Holistic Thinking

A big-picture approach that emphasizes interconnections and unity, looking beyond parts to the whole.

Partial Thinking

Objectivist or analytical thinking that focuses on specific parts or details.

Reflection

Introspective process of examining thoughts, feelings, and experiences to gain understanding.

Journaling

Writing about thoughts and experiences to clarify thinking and self-expression.

Meditation

Mindfulness practice to observe thoughts and emotions without judgment.

Quiet Contemplation

Sitting in silence to permit mindful reflection and exploration of experiences.

Seeking Feedback

Engaging others to gain new perspectives and challenge assumptions.

Reflective Questions

Questions that prompt deeper thinking about experiences (e.g., What did I learn? How did I feel?).

Creative Activities

Arts or music as a means of expression that aids reflection.

Socratic Method

Dialogical method of questioning to examine assumptions and pursue truth.

Dialectic Method

Inquiry and debate to resolve contradictions and synthesize opposing ideas (Hegel).

Scientific Method

Systematic, empirical approach: observation, hypothesis, experiment, data analysis, theory.

Historical Method

Study of past events and ideas in their context to understand philosophical development.

Fact

A statement that can be proven true through evidence; objective and verifiable.

Opinion

A belief or personal viewpoint that is subjective and not universally verifiable.

Ad Hominem Fallacy

Attacking the person rather than the argument.

False Cause (Post Hoc)

Assuming a cause-and-effect relationship from mere correlation.

Appeal to Authority

Arguing a claim is true because an authority says so; may be fallacious if the authority isn’t expert in the area.

Appeal to Pity

Using emotion rather than evidence to win support for an argument.

Appeal to Popular Opinion

Arguing that a claim is true because many people believe it.

Appeal to Tradition

Justifying a claim because it has long been believed or done.

Begging the Question

Circular reasoning where the conclusion is assumed in the premises.

Fallacy of Composition

Assuming what is true of part(s) is true of the whole.

Fallacy of Division

Assuming what is true of the whole is true of its parts.

Correspondence Bias (Fundamental Attribution Error)

Overemphasizing internal factors and underestimating situational factors when interpreting others’ behavior.

Confirmation Bias

Tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information that confirms preconceptions.

Framing

How information is presented can influence perception, emotions, and decisions.

Hindsight Bias

Tendency to see events as having been predictable after they occur.

Conflict of Interest

When competing interests could bias judgment or decision making.

Cultural Bias

Interpreting phenomena through one’s own cultural perspective, stereotypes may arise.

Anthropocentrism

Ethical perspective that prioritizes human interests above all else.

Biocentrism

Ethical view that assigns intrinsic value and moral worth to all living beings.

Ecocentrism

Ethical view that values ecosystems and the environment as a whole.

Environmental Aesthetics

Philosophical view that maintaining order in the environment reveals natural beauty and contributes to well-being.

Environmentalism

Broad movement advocating preservation, restoration, and improvement of the natural environment.

Sustainable Development

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs.

Sustainability

Capacity to maintain or support processes over time without depleting resources.

Environmental Integrity

Maintaining the health and functioning of natural systems and ecosystems.

Economic Efficiency

Prudence in resource use to minimize waste and maximize available goods.

Equity

Fair and just use of natural resources to preserve options for future generations.

Prudence

Discerning and careful judgment in using environmental resources.

Frugality

Thriftiness in the use of resources.

Human Being vs Human Person

Human being refers to Homo sapiens as a species; person refers to a being with recognized rights and dignity.

Personhood

State of being a person with rights, protection, responsibilities, and dignity.

Human Nature

Distinguishing features of humans: thinking, feeling, and acting.

Cognitive Self

Beliefs, desires, dreams, and intentions—the what of a person.

Physical Self

Body-related aspects: body type, strength, appearances—the who of a person.

Embodied Spirit

Union of body and soul; the idea that spirit is not separable from the body.

What Defines a Human Person?

Self-awareness, self-determination, externality, dignity, and rationality.

Self-Awareness

Clear perception of oneself, including thoughts, emotions, identity, and actions.

Interiority

Inner life or identity focus; awareness of one’s inner experiences.

Rationality

Capable of reason and logical thinking.

Self-Determination

Ability to make choices and regulate actions toward goals.

Free Will

Capacity to act according to one’s own choices.

Consequence

Result or effect of an action or condition.

Morality

Judgment of actions as good or bad.

Externality

Ability to reach out and interact with others and the world.

Dignity

Inherent value of a person, not reducible to money or mere utility.

Transcendence

Going beyond current limitations, often toward higher states of being or understanding.

Limitations

Constraints (physical, mental, social, environmental) that limit potential.

Possibilities

Potential opportunities for growth, development, and transcending current circumstances.

Transcendence in Philosophy/Spirituality

Rising above empirical limits to access higher truths or realities.

Transcendence Examples in Philosophy and Spirituality

In philosophy: rising beyond empirical knowledge; in spirituality: connection with a higher power or enlightenment.

Chapter 4: Environmental Philosophy

Discovers the moral relationship between humans and the environment and the value of the environment.

Three Major Ethical Perspectives in Environmental Philosophy

Anthropocentrism, Biocentrism, Ecocentrism—different ways of valuing humans, living beings, and ecosystems.

Science in Philosophy of Environment

Biologists’ view of interdependence and the ecological niche of organisms.

Environmentally Aesthetic View

Maintenance of order in the environment enhances beauty and well-being.