Origins of Philosophy

Flashcards on philosophy lecture notes.

Philosophy

The love of wisdom; in early usage, included many bodies of knowledge now considered separate disciplines.

Axiology

The study of the nature of value and valuation.

Metaphysics

The study of the fundamental nature of reality.

Epistemology

The study of the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge.

Ethics

The study of what is right and wrong in human behavior.

Aesthetics

The study of beauty and taste.

Logic

The study of the nature and types of logic and reasoning.

Social and Political Philosophy

The study of government and other social bodies.

Philo

Greek word meaning love.

Sophia

Greek word meaning wisdom.

Metaphysics (in Aristotle's context)

The study of existence, named after Aristotle's work and its placement after Physics.

Epistemology (Greek Roots)

From 'episteme' (knowledge) and 'logos' (word), the study of knowledge.

Ethics (Greek Roots)

From 'ta ethika' (on character), the study of behavior and action.

Politics (Greek Roots)

From 'polis' (city) and 'politikos' (that which has to do with the city), the study of governance.

Aesthetics

The study of art, beauty, and the perception of beauty.

Ma'at

Egyptian concept of harmony and balance, a central value in their culture.

Zoroastrianism

A monotheistic faith founded by Zoroaster, worshipping Ahura Mazda.

Ahura Mazda

The creator and sustainer of the universe in Zoroastrianism.

Angra Mainyu

The lord of chaos and darkness and the source of evil and suffering in Zoroastrianism.

Zorvanism

A philosophical school that claims that the god of infinite time, Zorvan, created both Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu.

Hundred Schools of Thought

A period of philosophical advancement in China at the end of the Zhou dynasty.

Thales of Miletus

Initiated ancient Greek philosophy in the sixth century BCE by asking about the basic stuff of the universe.

Milesian School

The first philosophical school in the West, established by Thales.

Socrates

Considered the father of Western philosophy; believed that an unexamined life is not worth living.

Theory of Forms

Associated with Plato, the idea that reality is a reflection of a higher and perfect world.

Aristotle

Rejected the Theory of Forms and suggested that the purpose of human life was happiness.

Prime Mover

Aristotle's concept of the first cause that set everything in motion.