Doing Philosophy & Holistic Perspective – Lecture Review

These question-and-answer flashcards cover key concepts, philosophers, branches, reasoning methods, and holistic vs. partial perspectives from the video lecture on Doing Philosophy and Holistic Thinking.

What is the literal meaning of the Greek term “philosophia”?

Love of wisdom.

Which discipline uses human reason to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles that govern all things?

Philosophy.

According to Plato, what basic human feeling gives rise to philosophizing?

A sense of wonder.

Which philosopher highlighted doubt as the starting point of philosophizing?

René Descartes.

Karl Jaspers said people philosophize primarily to make sense of what?

Challenging or difficult life experiences.

What is the main objective of the Socratic Method?

To lead learners to examine and analyze their knowledge through a series of probing questions.

Who is regarded as the foremost philosopher of ancient times and called himself a ‘midwife’ of ideas?

Socrates.

Which ancient thinker founded the Academy, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world?

Plato.

What logical process, developed by Aristotle, analyzes specific statements to reach a conclusion?

Deductive reasoning.

Which philosopher believed that everything is governed by a higher order called logos and that change is permanent?

Heraclitus.

Who first proposed that matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms?

Democritus.

Which philosopher’s community of learners was devoted to both religion and philosophy and is credited with the Pythagorean Theorem?

Pythagoras.

Who advocated extreme simplicity and said one should show virtue in both words and actions, even living like a beggar?

Diogenes of Sinope.

Epicurus taught that wisdom and simple living lead to a life free of fear and pain. What name was given to his school of thought?

Epicureanism.

State Socrates’ famous line about the value of critical self-reflection.

“An unexamined life is not worth living.”

Name the six classical branches of philosophy listed in the lecture.

Aesthetics, Logic, Epistemology, Ethics, Political Philosophy, Metaphysics.

Which branch of philosophy deals specifically with moral questions and dilemmas?

Ethics.

Which branch of philosophy studies correct reasoning?

Logic.

What branch investigates questions of reality and existence?

Metaphysics.

Define ‘holistic thinking’.

A perspective that looks at large-scale patterns or the ‘big picture’ when analyzing a situation or problem.

Define ‘partial thinking’.

A perspective that focuses on specific aspects or components of a situation, an important part of analytical thinking.

Why does philosophy prefer holistic thinking when addressing human concerns?

Because it helps make sense of problems and issues in a more comprehensive, integrated way.

Give one major benefit of adopting a holistic view when making decisions.

It allows a person to view a problem more objectively and arrive at better solutions.

In the poem about the six blind men and the elephant, what lesson about perspectives is illustrated?

Each person may grasp only part of the truth; a holistic view combines multiple perspectives for fuller understanding.

What is meant by a ‘worldview’ in the context of philosophy?

A way of thinking about the world, made up of a person’s views and beliefs.

List two practical uses of philosophy mentioned in the lecture.

Improves critical analysis & interpretation, enhances problem-solving and decision-making, strengthens communication skills, and cultivates wisdom.

Which philosopher’s dialectic method involves discussing opposing ideas to reach new knowledge?

Plato.

What major life outcome did the student Juan say he wanted when asked what he wanted to be?

He wanted to be happy.

How is Juan’s answer related to philosophy, according to the lesson discussion?

It shows a philosophical orientation toward life’s ultimate purpose—happiness—rather than a conventional career answer.

Complete the guideline: Philosophy enables a person to engage in __ analysis of concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems.

Critical.

Which branch of philosophy studies governments, justice, power, and the rights and obligations of citizens?

Political Philosophy.

What term refers to the ability to apply knowledge to daily life, particularly in making sound choices and judgments?

Wisdom.

What famous quote by Dennis Kucinich emphasizes the importance of holistic worldview?

“My philosophy comes from a worldview that looks at the world as one… interconnected and interdependent…”

How does a holistic view treat other people’s perspectives?

It includes and values them rather than confining understanding to one’s own perspective.

Give one classroom technique that can help students arrive at a holistic view of an issue.

Interactive discussion that involves all students’ viewpoints.

According to the lesson, what quality makes a philosopher a good communicator?

The ability to clearly and adequately present ideas.

Which philosopher asserted that ‘no man ever steps in the same river twice’?

Heraclitus.

Identify the two Greek roots of the word ‘philosophy’ and their meanings.

‘Philos’ meaning love, and ‘sophia’ meaning wisdom.

What is deductive reasoning?

A logical process where specific premises are analyzed to arrive at a general conclusion.

Why is partial thinking still valuable despite the advantages of holistic thinking?

It allows focused analysis of specific components, an essential step in understanding complex problems.

Describe one classroom assessment question that checks knowledge of branches of philosophy.

Asking which branch deals with moral questions (answer: Ethics).

What purpose does philosophy serve in everyday life, according to the lesson objectives?

Helping people appreciate its value, make better decisions, and handle life situations philosophically.