Intro to Philosophy: Ethics, Education, and Epistemology

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering Ethics (theories and branches), Philosophy of Education (classical to modern perspectives), and Epistemology (knowledge, skepticism, and power).

What is the definition of Ethics according to the lecture?

Ethics is the branch of philosophy studying right and wrong, good and bad, and how we should live.

What does ethical thinking involve?

Ethical thinking involves giving reasons for actions that others could accept.

What are the three main branches of ethics?

The three main branches are Metaethics, Normative Ethics, and Applied Ethics.

How does Metaethics differ from Normative Ethics?

Metaethics studies the nature of morality itself (e.g., if truths are objective or relative), while Normative Ethics focuses on general moral principles and theories (e.g., 'Do no harm').

What is Applied Ethics?

Applied Ethics involves applying ethical theories to real cases such as abortion, euthanasia, law, friendship, and business.

What is the core principle of Consequentialism?

The morality of an action is based on its outcomes; a right action is one that produces the best overall consequences.

What is the most famous version of Consequentialism and what is its goal?

Utilitarianism is the most famous version; its goal is to maximize happiness and minimize suffering.

According to Deontology (Kant), what determines morality?

Morality is based on rules, duties, and principles rather than outcomes; some actions like lying or killing innocents are always wrong.

What is 'Kant's test' for moral principles?

The test asks, 'What if everyone did this?'

How does Virtue Ethics (Aristotle) define morality?

Morality is about character rather than rules or consequences; it focuses on becoming a virtuous person through practice and role models.

What is Aristotle's 'Golden mean'?

The idea that virtue lies between two extremes, such as courage being the mean between rashness and cowardice.

In the Organ Transplant Dilemma, how would a pure Consequentialist view the situation?

They might justify killing $1$ healthy person to save $5$ because it produces 'better consequences' in terms of lives saved.

In Socrates' 'Crito', what is Crito's consequentialist argument for escape?

Crito argues that escape creates better overall outcomes, such as saving Socrates' life, preventing friends' shame, and caring for his children.

What was Socrates' deontological and virtue-based counter-argument in 'Crito'?

He argued that one must never do wrong, and by living in Athens, he accepted its laws; thus, breaking them would harm the city.

What are the four principles of Bioethics?

1. Autonomy (respect for consent), 2. Beneficence (promote well-being), 3. Non-maleficence (avoid harm), 4. Justice (fairness, no exploitation).

In Environmental Ethics, what is the difference between Anthropocentrism and Deep Ecology?

Anthropocentrism views nature as valuable only for human benefit, while Deep Ecology argues nature has intrinsic value regardless of human use.

How does philosophy of education define its field?

It is a branch of philosophy reflecting on the goals of education, teaching methods, learning processes, and curriculum.

In Plato's Allegory of the Cave, what do the 'Shadows' and the 'Sun' represent?

Shadows represent false beliefs and unexamined assumptions; the Sun represents the Good, which is ultimate truth.

What is Aristotle's view on how virtue is acquired in education?

Virtue arises from habit; we become good by performing good actions, turning learning into an active formation.

What is John Locke's concept of 'Tabula Rasa'?

The idea that the mind at birth is a 'blank slate' with no innate ideas; all knowledge is derived from experience.

What is the core aim of education for Jean-Jacques Rousseau?

To produce a free person and an autonomous thinker by following the child's natural development and curiosity.

How did John Dewey define the role of the school?

He saw school as a democratic community where learning happens by doing (experiential education) and serves as a 'micro-democracy'.

What is Paulo Freire's critique of the 'Banking Model' of education?

It treats students as empty containers to be filled, which reinforces inequality and produces obedience rather than critical awareness.

What is Epistemology?

Epistemology is the philosophical study of knowledge, examining what knowledge is, how we acquire it, and how we judge truth.

Distinguish between 'a priori' and 'a posteriori' knowledge.

'A priori' knowledge is known through reason alone (e.g., $2+2=4$); 'a posteriori' knowledge is known through observation or senses (e.g., 'The cat is on the sofa').

What are the three types of knowledge mentioned in the notes?

1. Propositional ('knowledge that' facts), 2. Procedural ('knowledge how' skills), 3. Acquaintance (direct awareness/experience).

What is Plato's 'Justified True Belief' (JTB) definition of knowledge?

You know something if: 1. It is true, 2. You believe it, and 3. You have justification (good reason).

What did the Gettier Problem (1963) demonstrate about knowledge?

It showed that beliefs can be true and justified but only by luck, suggesting that JTB is not enough for real knowledge.

Contrast Internalism vs. Externalism in the context of justification.

Internalism requires reasons to be accessible to the mind; Externalism states justification comes from reliable processes (like senses) even if one cannot explain them.

What is the difference between Foundationalism and Coherentism?

Foundationalism holds that some beliefs are basic and need no support; Coherentism holds that beliefs are justified only if they fit together in a coherent web.

Describe the 'Dream Argument' and the 'Evil Demon' argument in Skepticism.

The Dream Argument suggests you cannot be sure you aren't dreaming; the Evil Demon (Descartes) suggests a demon could be deceiving all your senses.

What is Foucault's concept of 'Power/Knowledge'?

The idea that power and knowledge are inseparable; power produces what society accepts as truth, and knowledge (exams, statistics) reinforces power.

What is Panopticism as used by Foucault?

Inspired by Bentham's Panopticon, it is a model where people act as if they are constantly watched, leading to internalized discipline and 'docile bodies'.

How does the book '1984' illustrate the intersection of power and truth?

It shows how control of information and surveillance leads to the control of truth, where power can make the subject believe '$2+2=5$'.