Introduction to Philosophy - Lecture Notes Reviewer

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards based on the Introduction to Philosophy lecture reviewer, covering foundational concepts, traditions, branches, critical thinking elements, truth theories, and modes of inquiry.

Philosophy (Etymology)

Derived from the Greek words Philos (Love) + Sophia (Wisdom), meaning "Love of Wisdom"; a term coined by Pythagoras.

Philosophy (Formal Definition)

The science of all things in their ultimate causes and principles as known by natural reason alone.

Sophice

Calling oneself a wise man, characterized by pride and the assumption that one possesses full knowledge (close-minded).

Philosophus

A lover of wisdom; characterized by the humility to recognize that one does not know everything, prompting a continuous pursuit of wisdom (open-minded).

Eros

The lowest form of love, driven by physical desire (body) or satisfying physical needs.

Philos / Philein

Love of friendship; spiritual and conditional love given because it brings genuine happiness and meaningful satisfaction back to the self.

Agape

The highest form of love; unconditional love that persists regardless of circumstances or reciprocity.

Knowledge

Facts, empirical data, information, and skills acquired by a person.

Wisdom

Applied or practical knowledge paired with good judgment.

Expansion of Horizon (Palawak)

Broadens a person's knowledge, making one more open-minded through study even though much acquired information is forgotten over time.

Profundity of Horizon (Palalim)

Deepens understanding when knowledge becomes applicable, relevant, and meaningful in life, transforming into wisdom.

Karunungan

A Filipino concept (root word: Dunong) that helps us understand life so that we become "Marunong sa buhay" (practically competent in living).

Muthos

Explaining reality, nature, and human existence through literature, myth, stories, music, and plays.

Logos

Explaining reality based on logical reasoning, observation, and systematic analysis.

Arche

The foundational substance or ultimate underlying physical element that explains all reality in Pre-Socratic thought.

Pre-Socratic Thinkers

Early Greek thinkers who sought an ultimate underlying physical element (Arche) explaining all reality.

Socratic Thinkers

Thinkers (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle) who moved toward systematically understanding reality and human life rather than relying solely on cosmological speculation.

Thauma

Wonder or stupefaction; amazement mixed with confusion when encountering something extraordinary outside of daily routine.

Eastern Philosophical Tradition

Perceives philosophy as a way of life or ideology focused on holistic harmony, interconnectedness, and collectivism.

Western Philosophical Tradition

Perceives philosophy as a historical development of ideas originating in Ancient Greece, focusing on individualism, systematization, dualism, and an empirical approach.

Brahman

In Hinduism, the ultimate, supreme reality.

Atman

In Hinduism, the individual reality or self.

Moksha

Liberation in Hinduism achieved by unifying Atman with Brahman.

Dukkha

The Buddhist concept that life inherently involves suffering.

The Four Noble Truths

Core Buddhist teachings: life involves suffering (Dukkha), suffering is caused by desire/attachment, suffering can end, and the Eightfold Path is the prescription to end suffering.

Ren

Confucian virtue representing Benevolence or Compassion.

Yi

Confucian virtue representing Righteousness or Conscience.

Li

Confucian virtue representing Propriety or proper conduct in one's place.

Xin

Confucian virtue representing Sincerity or genuine honesty.

Hsiao (Filial Piety)

In Confucianism, duty and respect within the family, serving as the foundation of good citizenship.

Tao

In Taoism, the natural Way of all things and the law of nature.

Yin and Yang

In Taoism, complementary dualism and balance advocating the maintenance of natural equilibrium.

Cosmocentric Period

Ancient period of Western philosophy focused on explaining the origin and underlying nature of the universe (Cosmos).

Theocentric Period

Medieval period of Western philosophy centered on God (Theo) and theological faith, where philosophy served as the "handmaid of theology."

Anthropocentric Period

Modern and Contemporary periods of Western philosophy shifting focus toward human reason, scientific methodology, individual existence, logic, and social systems.

Metaphysics

Branch of philosophy (First Philosophy) investigating fundamental principles of nature, existence, reality, causality, and being ("What is being?").

Epistemology

Branch of philosophy (Theory of Knowledge) examining the nature, sources, scope, limitations, and validity of knowledge ("What is truth?").

Ethics

Branch of philosophy analyzing moral conduct and establishing standards of right and wrong ("What is good?").

Political and Social Philosophy

Branch of philosophy examining the state, social structures, rights, and liberties to construct an orderly society grounded in justice ("What is justice?").

Aesthetics

Branch of philosophy involving critical reflection on the nature of beauty and artistic creation ("What is beauty?").

Logic

Branch of philosophy studying formal principles and criteria of valid reasoning and correct thinking.

Rhetoric

The art of persuasion, which focuses on convincing audiences regardless of underlying logical validity.

Independent Thinking

Element of critical thinking involving the ability to disassociate from group pressure and form personal judgments faithful to truth.

Proactive Thinking

Element of critical thinking defined as the mind's capacity to foresee future contingencies while acting in the present ("being in the future while in the present").

Contextual Thinking

Element of critical thinking that analyzes ideas, actions, or decisions within their complete background and historical framework.

Creative Thinking

Element of critical thinking that uses imagination to push thought beyond routine assumptions and add deeper meaning to reality.

Collaborative Thinking

Element of critical thinking that engages in dialogue, discussion, and debate with others, recognizing that thought is relational.

Realism

Theory of truth defining truth as the conformity (adequation) between thought inside the mind and objective reality outside the mind.

Relativism

Theory of truth stating that truth is relative to the individual knower's personal perception, subjective intervention, and worldview.

Pragmatism

Theory of truth (Utilitarianism / Practicalism) determining truth by practical consequences, real-world utility, and practical application.

Skepticism

Theory of truth holding that absolute truth cannot be known with certainty due to the inherent limits of human cognition.

Phenomenology

Philosophical method founded by Edmund Husserl involving bracketing out past knowledge, biases, and theories to experience raw reality directly.

Philosophical Analysis

Mode of philosophical inquiry that breaks down complex concepts and arguments into smaller parts for logical evaluation.

Slippery Slope Fallacy

Logical fallacy assuming without justification that a minor initial step will inevitably lead to an extreme outcome.

Bandwagon Fallacy

Logical fallacy claiming an argument is true or superior simply because it is popular or widely accepted.

Ad Hominem Fallacy

Logical fallacy of attacking the character or traits of the person making an argument rather than addressing the argument itself.

Philosophical Abstraction

Process of conceptually stripping away non-essential physical details from an object or concept to isolate its fundamental attributes and essence.

Philosophical Reflection

Examining existential and practical life experiences to uncover underlying meaning and connect current situations to personal identity.

Primary Reflection

Analytic reflection that breaks the unity of an experience into distinct details for technical analysis, serving as the basis of scientific inquiry.

Secondary Reflection

Synthetic reflection that reintegrates analyzed details into a unified whole, viewing experience in relation to the overall context of one's life.