Philosophical Arguments and Historical Contexts

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on philosophical arguments, historical context, and key thinkers.

Cosmological Argument

A philosophical argument for the existence of God that asserts that everything that exists has a cause.

First Cause

The initial cause of everything that exists, often identified with God.

Teleological Argument

An argument for the existence of God based on the perceived order and purpose in the universe.

Intelligent Design

The theory that certain features of the universe and living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection.

Aquinas' Five Proofs

The five arguments presented by Thomas Aquinas that aim to demonstrate the existence of God through various means.

Neo-Platonism

A philosophical system that suggests a singular ultimate reality, which is the source of all existence, but may not necessarily be personally caring or good.

Renaissance

A cultural movement in Europe beginning in the late 14th century characterized by a revival of interest in classical literature, art, and learning.

Geocentric Cosmos

An Earth-centered model of the universe, historically favored by the Church before the acceptance of heliocentrism.

Heliocentrism

The astronomical model where the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun, contrasting with the geocentric model.

Method of Doubt

Descartes' systematic process of doubting the truth of one's beliefs to establish a foundation of certainty.

I think; therefore, I am

Descartes' assertion that the very act of thinking is proof of one's existence.

Ontological Argument

An argument for the existence of God based on the concept of God as a perfect being, which must exist because existence is a perfection.

Eras in Western Philosophical History

Divisions in the history of philosophy, including periods such as Classical, Hellenistic, Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Evil Demon Hypothesis

A thought experiment by Descartes questioning whether an evil demon could be deceiving us about our perceptions and beliefs.

René Descartes

A French philosopher known as the father of modern philosophy, whose works include 'Meditations on First Philosophy'.