Philosophy: Key Terms and Concepts (Logic, Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics)

Vocabulary flashcards covering philosophical terms related to logic, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and related arguments.

Philo

Greek word for love; love of true friendship.

Sophia

Greek word for wisdom.

Logical Fallacy

A flaw or error in reasoning.

Equivocation Fallacy

Arguing by alternating between different meanings of a word in the premises.

Epistemology

The study of knowledge—how you know what you know.

Metaphysics

Investigation into reality itself; beyond the physical.

Ethics

The study of moral principles; a system of customs, practices, or patterns of behavior.

Dualism

The view that reality has physical and nonphysical aspects.

Logic

The systematic study of the standards of correct reasoning.

Reasoning

The act of drawing a conclusion on the basis of evidence.

Ratio

Root meaning related to rationality; to reason.

Anima

Anima in the word animal means 'soul'.

Aristotle

Developed the first structured form of logic.

Knowledge

A matter of truth, justification, or belief.

Belief

Statements convey your beliefs.

Justified

Justification comes from arguments; an argument is reasoning expressed in words.

Correspondence Theory of Truth

Truth is when a statement accurately describes reality.

Premise

A statement of evidence; premises support the conclusion (at least one premise).

Conclusion

A statement of belief; the claim that follows from the premises (one conclusion).

Arguments

A collection of statements; an argument has premises and a single conclusion (for deductive arguments).

Inductive Reasoning

Conclusions drawn with a certain degree of probability; moves from specific premises to general conclusions.

Deductive Reasoning

Conclusions drawn with absolute certainty; moves from general premises to a specific conclusion.

Valid Reason

A deductive argument form in which, if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

Invalid Reason

An argument form that does not guarantee the conclusion even if the premises are true (e.g., All humans are mortal; Socrates is mortal; therefore Socrates is human).

Strong Inductive Argument

An inductive argument backed by substantial data or research.

Weak Inductive Argument

An inductive argument with little data; relies on observation or opinion.