Exam 3 Review

Hellenistic Philosophy

Focused on thoughts and systems developed after the conquests of Alexander the Great, emphasizing individual ethics and the nature of knowledge.

Cynics

Philosophers who believe happiness is attained by living according to nature free from customs.

Asceticism

A lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures and goods.

Apatheia

A state of mind undisturbed by passions or emotions.

Epicurus

Philosopher who proposed that pleasure is the good and emphasized absence of pain.

Ataraxia

A state of freedom from pain and anxiety.

Tetrapharmakes (four-part cure)

A set of teachings promoting fearlessness regarding God and death, and fostering a positive outlook on good and bad.

St. Augustine of Hippo

Philosopher known for discussing the nature of sin and the implications of God’s goodness.

Problem of Evil

A philosophical and theological dilemma concerning the existence of evil in light of an all-good, all-powerful God.

St. Anselm

Philosopher known for his arguments concerning the necessity of God’s existence.

Apriori

Knowledge that is obtained prior to experience or through reason.

Aposteriori

Knowledge that is obtained after experience or through sensory input.

Necessary Being

A being whose existence is essential and not contingent on anything else.

Contingent Being

A being whose existence depends on something else and could possibly not exist.

Peter Abelard

Philosopher who explored the moral worth of actions based on intentions and consequences.

Moral Luck

The idea that the morality of an action can depend on factors outside the agent's control.

Natural Law

The moral law understood through human reason, aligning with God's will.

First Mover

In St. Thomas Aquinas's argument, the initial cause of motion in the universe, identified as God.

First Cause

The initial cause of existence in St. Thomas Aquinas's argument, which is itself uncaused.

Degrees of Excellence Argument

Aquinas's argument that suggests a standard of excellence must exist, which defaults to God.

Predictable Ends Argument

Aquinas's argument highlighting that unintelligent beings must be guided by an intelligent entity for purpose.

St. Thomas Aquinas

Philosopher who presented several arguments for the existence of God based on observation.