Module 1 – Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, branches, and theories introduced in Module 1 on Philosophy and Ethics.

Philosophy (Etymology)

From Greek philia (love) + sophia (wisdom); literally “love of wisdom.”

Philosophy (Real Definition)

The science of all things in their ultimate reality understood by the human mind alone.

Ontology

Another name for metaphysics; the study of being as being.

Metaphysics

Branch of philosophy that investigates existence, essence, act and potency, substance and accidents—“being” in its most general form.

Cosmology

Natural philosophy dealing with the ultimate principles of the physical universe: space, time, matter, motion, change, permanence.

Theodicy

Philosophy of God that grapples with the presence of evil despite divine goodness; also called philosophy of religion.

Aesthetics

Philosophy of beauty and art; originally the “science of sensory perception.”

Epistemology

Philosophy of knowledge (gnoseology, philosophy of mind) exploring how the subjective mind validly knows the objective world.

Logic

Science and art of correct thinking; supplies rules for valid reasoning used in debates, investigations, and experiments.

Ethics (Etymology)

From Greek ethos (habit, custom) and Latin mors (morals); hence “moral philosophy.”

Ethics (Real Definition)

Philosophy of the morality of human acts that seeks ultimate reasons why actions are good or bad.

Ultimate Cause

The deepest explanatory ground a philosopher seeks; contrasts with proximate causes studied by specific sciences.

Proximate Cause

Immediate, surface-level explanation provided by specialized sciences (e.g., gravity for a falling object).

Stoicism

Ethical theory emphasizing rational control of passions and living in harmony with nature.

Natural Law Ethics

View that moral norms are rooted in human nature and discoverable by reason.

Deontologism

Duty-based ethics which judges actions by adherence to universal moral rules rather than consequences.

Conventionalism

Ethical stance that moral rightness depends on social conventions or agreements.

Hedonism

Theory that pleasure is the highest good and proper aim of human action.

Intellectualism

Ethical view prioritizing the role of knowledge or reason in achieving moral goodness.

Virtue Ethics

Approach focusing on the cultivation of moral character traits rather than rules or consequences.

Utilitarianism

Consequentialist ethics holding that the morally right act maximizes overall happiness or utility.

Pragmatism

Philosophical attitude assessing truth and morality by practical effects and usefulness.

Existentialism

Philosophy stressing individual freedom, choice, and responsibility in creating meaning.

Bioethics

Branch of applied ethics examining moral issues in life sciences and health care.

Business Ethics

Application of ethical principles to corporate behavior, commerce, and professional conduct.

Animal Ethics

Field studying the moral status of non-human animals and obligations toward them.

Social Media Ethics

Examination of moral issues arising from creation, sharing, and consumption of online content.

Metaphilosophy

Reflection on the nature, aims, and methods of philosophy itself.