EXAM 1

Substance

What a thing is in itself (e.g., a person, a dog).

Quantity

How much of something there is (e.g., size, weight).

Relation

How one thing stands in relation to another (e.g., father to son, master to servant).

Quality

Describes the nature or characteristics of something (e.g., red, tall, smart).

Essential Predicables

Characteristics that define a thing's essence, including genus, species, and difference.

Genus

The general category a thing belongs to (e.g., animal).

Species

The specific kind of thing within the genus (e.g., human being).

Difference

The characteristic that distinguishes one species from another (e.g., rationality distinguishes humans from animals).

Appetite

A power or capacity that inclines a thing toward its good.

Nominal Definition of Happiness

The complete and final good at which all human action aims.

Real Definition of Happiness

The intellectual vision of the essence of God.

Human Action

Deliberate acts done with knowledge and free will (e.g., choosing to study).

Act of a Human

Automatic actions done without rational thought (e.g., breathing).

Ultimate End

One ultimate goal which is God or the intellectual vision of God’s essence.

Happiness

A state of being that is the highest good and is achieved through the operation of the soul.

Rectitude of the Will

The alignment of the will with the good, seeking the right end.

External Goods

Wealth, power, fame, and other material things that are not necessary for ultimate happiness.

Beatitude

The ultimate happiness which is found in the intellectual vision of God’s essence.

Imperfect Happiness

Happiness experienced in this life that requires the body.

Perfect Happiness

Eternal happiness in the next life, which is not dependent on the body.

Justice (Polemarchus' Definition)

Justice is defined as 'helping friends and harming enemies,' according to Polemarchus.

Socrates' Argument on Justice

Justice should improve people, not harm them; harming enemies contradicts the purpose of justice.

The Ring of Gyges

A story suggesting that people act justly only due to fear of punishment.

Social Contract

An agreement among people to follow rules to avoid harm, the origin of justice.