Philosophy Lecture Notes Review

These flashcards cover key philosophical concepts and figures discussed in the lecture notes.

What is Descartes' Method of Doubt?

Collapsing all beliefs that can be questioned to find a certain foundation for knowledge.

What does 'Cogito, ergo sum' mean?

I think, therefore I am; it establishes the certainty of the self.

What is Mind–Body Dualism according to Descartes?

The mind is a non-physical thinking substance, while the body is a physical substance.

What argument differentiates humans from animals according to Descartes?

Humans have language and reason; animals lack minds and genuine thought.

What is the Interaction Problem discussed by Elisabeth?

Uncertainty on how immaterial mind and material body can causally interact.

How does Descartes view free will and error?

Humans have free will, and error occurs when the will exceeds what the intellect understands.

What is Locke's view on Empiricism and the Blank Slate?

The mind starts as a blank slate; all knowledge comes from experience.

How does Locke define personhood?

A person exists wherever consciousness extends, independent of substance.

According to Locke, how is personal identity maintained?

Through the continuity of memory of past experiences.

What duality does Pascal highlight regarding humanity?

Humans are great due to intellect but wretched due to sin.

What does Pascal say about distraction and unhappiness?

Humans use distraction to avoid confronting their miserable condition.

What is Pascal's Wager about belief in God?

Belief in God is rational as it offers infinite gain despite uncertainty.

What is Spinoza's view of God and Nature?

They are identical and constitute one substance.

How does Spinoza argue against Cartesian Dualism?

Mind-body interaction suggests unity, making dualism incoherent.

According to Spinoza, how are mind and body related?

They are modes of the same substance, not separate substances.

What does du Châtelet say about the achievability of happiness?

Happiness can be achieved through active engagement of the mind.

What is necessary for happiness according to du Châtelet?

Intellectual fulfillment through study and reasoning.

What contributes to happiness as per du Châtelet?

Self-control, health, emotional balance, and favorable circumstances.

How does du Châtelet define love?

A source of pleasure that must be guided by reason.

What does Hume argue about knowledge and skepticism?

All knowledge comes from experience, leading to skepticism about metaphysical claims.

Differentiate between impressions and ideas according to Hume.

Impressions are vivid perceptions; ideas are faint copies of impressions.

What is Hume's belief about causation?

It is inferred from habit and constant conjunction, not from rational necessity.

What is the Problem of Induction in Hume's philosophy?

There is no rational justification for assuming the future resembles the past.

How does Hume define personal identity?

As a bundle of changing perceptions connected by memory.

What does Hume state about free will?

Freedom consists in acting according to one's desires.

What does Hume say about arguments for God?

They exceed what can be justified by experience and should be treated skeptically.

How do sentiments relate to ethics according to Hume?

Moral judgments arise from sentiment rather than reason.

What is Rousseau’s view of the state of nature?

Humans are naturally free and equal, guided by self-preservation and pity.

How does Rousseau say society affects humans?

Corrupts humans by fostering dependence and concern for reputation.

What does Rousseau argue about property and society?

Private property introduces inequality and injustice.

What creates moral inequality according to Rousseau?

Social institutions that undermine freedom and dignity.

What is Rousseau's proposal for a better society?

Obedience to the general will through a social contract.

What should education follow according to Rousseau?

Natural development to preserve freedom and authenticity.

What governs human behavior according to Bentham?

Pleasure and pain.

What is Bentham's Principle of Utility?

Actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

How are pleasure and pain quantified according to Bentham?

By intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity, and extent.

What distinguishes higher from lower pleasures in Mill's view?

Intellectual and moral pleasures are superior to bodily pleasures.

What does Mill say about the possibility of happiness?

It arises from balance, cultivation of the mind, and social cooperation.

How does Mill define liberty and individuality?

Freedom should be limited only to prevent harm to others; individuality is essential.

What does Wollstonecraft argue about differences between men and women?

Intellectual differences arise from unequal education, not nature.

How does Wollstonecraft suggest women should become?

Rational, independent, and virtuous to be fully human.

What is Douglass’ view on the nature of slavery?

Worse than poverty as it destroys autonomy and personhood.

What does Douglass say about dehumanization?

It reduces humans to property and objects.

What role does education play according to Douglass?

It awakens self-consciousness and highlights the injustice of slavery.

What does Douglass mean by voice and self-ownership?

Claiming one’s voice is an assertion of self-ownership and resistance.

What is Du Bois' construction of identity theory?

Race socially constructs identity, creating double consciousness.

How does Du Bois view objectification and categorization?

It denies full humanity by reducing individuals to stereotypes.

What is Sartre’s idea about existence and essence?

Humans exist first and define themselves through action.

How does Sartre define a person’s essence?

The sum of their choices.

What does Sartre mean by absolute freedom and responsibility?

Humans are radically free and fully responsible for themselves.

What does Sartre imply by being condemned to freedom?

We cannot escape making choices, even if we refuse to choose.

What is the concept of bad faith in Sartre’s philosophy?

Denying one's freedom by treating oneself as a fixed object.

What does Camus represent through the Myth of Sisyphus?

The human struggle for meaning in a meaningless world.

How does Camus define absurdity?

The conflict between the desire for meaning and an indifferent universe.

What are Camus' responses to absurdity?

Rejects suicide and faith; advocates revolt, freedom, and passionate living.