Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the introduction to philosophy, including its etymological and conceptual definitions, methods of inquiry, major branches, and its practical importance as outlined in the Christian Living Education 11 handout.

Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes

The pioneers of Greek science and the first philosophers who sought natural and reasonable explanations for the universe in the $6^{th}$ century B.C.

Wonder

Described by Plato as the feeling of a philosopher and the foundation where philosophy begins.

Philosophy (Etymological)

Derived from the Greek words "philia" (love) and "sophia" (wisdom), meaning "love of wisdom."

Wisdom (Western sense)

According to Aristotle, it is the knowledge of the ultimate principle, causes, or reasons of things; the knowledge of things by their ultimate "whys."

Wisdom (Eastern sense - Buddhism)

A sense of the overall goal of human life, where Gautama Buddha identified the main purpose as happiness and the cause of unhappiness as desiring too much.

Wisdom (Harmony sense)

Particularly articulated in Hinduism, Taoism, and Confucianism as living in tune or in harmony with a greater reality.

Tao

The greater reality in Taoism representing nature, which is considered absolute and sacred, and that which everything else depends on.

Philosophy (as a Concept)

A system of beliefs about reality and an integrated view of the world, including the nature of existence and one's role in the world.

Holistic Perspective

A philosophical view that considers the bigger picture of reality by taking various aspects of human knowledge or schools of thought into consideration.

Partial View

Looking at only a specific aspect of a reality, such as examining freedom exclusively through the lens of existentialism.

Philosophy (as a Process)

A tool for inquiry and a quest for truth, involving the search for the meaning of life, its value, and relevance.

Science (Scire)

From the Latin verb meaning "to know," this explains why philosophy is a disciplined branch of knowledge that follows reasoned inquiry and rejects myths.

First Causes

The ultimate explanations or "whys" behind reality that philosophy seeks to understand beyond surface appearances.

Natural light of reason

The fundamental method of philosophy which seeks to establish explanations through the human mind without the aid of divine revelation.

Philosophical reflection

The act of thinking about important questions without definite answers, which Socrates emphasized with the dictum "know thyself."

The unexamined life is not worth living

A famous saying by Socrates suggesting that a life worth living must involve examining what one thinks.

Dialectical Method

A method popularized by Socrates and Plato involving systematic questioning and dialogue to clarify concepts and gain deeper appreciation of truths.

Argumentation

A philosophical method using premises, deductive and inductive reasoning, and inferences to construct valid arguments and draw conclusions.

Thought Experiments

Imagined scenarios used to test assumptions or theories, such as Plato’s Allegory of the Cave or The Trolley Problem.

Metaphysics

The study of reality or existence, literally meaning "after physics," covering topics such as being, God, causation, time, and space.

Epistemology

The study of knowledge, its nature, condition, and the methods of acquiring it, asking questions like "How do we know?"

Ethics

The study of what is right and wrong and the standards of human behavior, derived from the Greek word "ethos" (custom).

Logic

The study of statements, arguments, and principles used to distinguish good reasoning from bad reasoning and avoid fallacies.

Aesthetics

The study of arts, beauty, and appreciation, focusing on whether there are objective standards for beauty.

David Chalmers

A philosopher and cognitive scientist who suggests that philosophical inquiry is a precursor to the birth of specialized scientific disciplines.

Humility (in Philosophy)

The realization that reality is larger than human comprehension and that there will always be something mysterious in the universe.

Philosophy of Miriam College

A learning institution philosophy emphasizing academic excellence, collegiality, student-centeredness, holistic education, and Miriam Spirituality.