Philosophy Terms

Induction

The use of priori knowledge to make claims or premises of an argument or conclusion.

Problem of Induction

It is everywhere, we cannot be certain that conclusions are true.

Valid Argument

Only if it is impossible for its premises to be true while its conclusion is false.

Non-Valid Argument

One where the conclusion does not necessarily follow from the premises, even if the premises are assumed to be true.

Sound Argument

A valid argument with true premises, ensuring the conclusion is also true.

Ad Hominem/Personal Attack

A fallacy that occurs when an argument attacks a person's character or motives instead of addressing the argument itself.

Pascal’s Gambling Argument

A philosophical argument positing that it is a better bet to believe in God than not to believe, due to the potential infinite gain of salvation compared to finite loss.

Justified True Belief

A concept that defines knowledge as a belief that is both true and justified.

Gettier’s Two Counter Examples

The coin example, John and Smith, and the Ford example.

Reliable

Leads to a good outcome in any possible situation.

Optimal

If its outcome is no worse than any method in any situation.

Descartes External World

Uses a combination of doubt, reason, and understanding of God to argue for the existence of a world that exists independently of our minds.

Dualism

The philosophical concept that reality is composed of two fundamental and irreducible substances or principles

Descartes Myth

The idea that the human mind (soul, spirit) is something that exists independent of human bodies, like a ghost in the machine.

Categorical Mistake

To consider that some terms refer to a separate existence, University example.

Body Mind Identity Theory

Your mind is your body; your sense experience is a brain process.

The Ship of Theseus

Asks whether something or someone that has had all its components replaced remains fundamentally the same.

Locke’s Theory of Personal Identity

Conciseness, especially memories, that determine who you are, each memory has n agent.

Dr. Nefarious Case

A case where you are told you will be tortured but your memories will be erased and inplace be implanted with Ronald Reagan.

Is-Ought Distinction

Express or describes we should or shouldn’t do; it might not be true or false

Is-Should Distinction

Describe worldly facts, it can be true or false.

Consequentialism

It is the outcome of action that determines whether the action is morally wrong or right

Deontology

There are some absolute principles that determines whether an action is morally right or wrong

Virtue Ethics

We should act as virtuous people would act, and thereby reflect and cultivate the virtues

Meaningful Sentences

Sentences that can be proven or verified to be true of false.

Nonsensical Sentences

Sentences that can not be proven or verified to be true of false.

Cognitive Mental States

The various conscious and unconscious mental processes involved in thinking, knowing, remembering, and reasoning.

Non-congnitive Mental States

Mental states that don't involve conscious intellectual activity, or the processing of information.

Myth of Sisyphus

Life is inherently absurd, but embracing this absurdity with passion and revolt can lead to a kind of freedom and meaning.

Absurdity

The conflict between humanity's inherent desire for meaning and purpose in life and the seemingly meaningless and irrational nature of the universe.