Introduction to Philosophy of Human Person

Practice flashcards covering the definitions of philosophy, the history of the great Greek philosophers, and methods of philosophical reflection and holistic thinking.

Philosophy (Etymology)

Derived from the Greek words "Philos", meaning "love", and "Sophia", meaning "wisdom", literally translated as "love of wisdom".

Philosophy (Definition)

The attitude of mind that by natural light of reason studies the first causes or the highest principles of things.

Thales of Miletus

The philosopher who initiated questioning existing beliefs based on the "Homeric and Hesiodic mythologies" of the time.

Socrates

Lived from $469-399\,BC$, he is credited as the "Father of Modern Western Philosophy" and one of the founders of Western philosophy.

Socratic Method

Socrates' well-known method of questioning used in philosophical inquiry.

Plato

A Classical Greek philosopher and mathematician known for his "Dialogues" and as the pupil of Socrates.

Academy in Athens

Founded by Plato, it is considered the first university or institution of higher learning in the Western world.

Aristotle

Lived from $384-322\,BCE$, he is the founder of systematic, scientific examination and was known as "the man who knew everything".

Organon

Aristotle's contribution to logic and reasoning, consisting of $6$ books.

Universals

Aristotle's concept that man forms categories from perceptions of like objects; he viewed them as conceptions rather than things, rejecting Plato's Idealism.

Wonder

The beginning of the process of doing philosophy, described as looking back and reflecting on past events to face the present without bias.

Primary Reflection

A kind of reflection identified by Gabriel Marcel associated with the phrase "I HAVE".

Secondary Reflection

A kind of reflection identified by Gabriel Marcel associated with the phrase "I AM", which deepens understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Holistic Point of View

A perspective that looks at all aspects of a problem or situation to form a general overview based on large-scale patterns.

Partial Point of View

A perspective that looks at only a limited number of aspects of a situation, focusing on specific details which may lead to wrong conclusions.