Philosophy 100

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etymology

the study of the origin of words and how their meanings have changed throughout history.

what is philosophy etymology?

Philosophy etymology refers to the origin of the word "philosophy," which comes from the Greek "philosophia," meaning "love of wisdom." It explores how the term has evolved in meaning over time.

what is philosophy definition?

Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions regarding existence, knowledge, values, reason, and the nature of reality. It involves critical thinking and systematic approaches to understanding the world and our place within it.

what is philosophy as an academic discipline?

Philosophy as an academic discipline involves the rigorous study and analysis of fundamental questions and concepts, employing critical thinking and logical reasoning to explore various branches such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and political philosophy.

metaphysics

a branch of philosophy that explores the fundamental nature of reality, including concepts such as being, existence, and the universe. It addresses questions about what exist and the nature of those existences.

epistemology

the branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge, its nature, sources, and limits. It examines the definition of knowledge and how we acquire it.

Ethics in Philosophy

the study of moral principles that govern behavior, examining what is right and wrong, and how individuals should act.

the study of concepts such as justice, rights, and the role of government in society. It examines how political systems influence individual behavior and the distribution of power.

Political Philosophy

Argument vs assertion in philosophy

An argument provides reasons to support a conclusion, while an assertion is a statement presented as true without supporting evidence.

premise vs conclusion in philosophy

A premise is a statement that provides support for an argument, while a conclusion is the statement that follows logically from the premises.

valid vs invalid (arguments) in philosophy

A valid argument is one where if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true, whereas an invalid argument has premises that do not guarantee the truth of the conclusion.

Sound vs Unsound (arguments) in philosophy

A sound argument is a valid argument with true premises, ensuring the conclusion is also true, while an unsound argument is either invalid or has at least one false premise.

cogent vs uncogent (arguments) in philosophy

A cogent argument is strong and has all true premises, making the conclusion likely true, while an uncogent argument is either weak or has at least one false premise.

common informal logical fallacies to avoid in philosophy

are errors in reasoning that can undermine the logic of an argument. These fallacies often distract from the actual issue and mislead the audience.

hellenistic era in philosophy

A period of philosophical development from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE to the emergence of the Roman Empire, characterized by schools such as Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Skepticism.

renaissance era in philosophy

A period of renewed interest in classical philosophy and humanism from the 14th to the 17th century, marked by the exploration of individualism, science, and the nature of existence.

modern era in philosophy

A period from the late 17th century to the 19th century focused on reason, empiricism, and the development of critical thought, featuring philosophers such as Descartes, Kant, and Hegel.

the pre socratics

A group of early Greek philosophers before Socrates, who focused on questions of cosmology, metaphysics, and the nature of reality, including figures like Thales, Anaximander, and Heraclitus.

socrates

An ancient Greek philosopher known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology, and for his method of questioning to stimulate critical thinking.

plato

A student of Socrates and a foundational figure in Western philosophy, known for his dialogues and the theory of forms. He founded the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning.

Aristotle philosophy

A branch of philosophy founded by Aristotle, emphasizing empirical observation and logic, covering topics such as ethics, politics, metaphysics, and natural sciences.

Epicurus

An ancient Greek philosopher who founded Epicureanism, emphasizing the pursuit of happiness through the cultivation of friendships, moderation, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Marcus Aurelius

Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, known for his writings in "Meditations" that reflect on duty, virtue, and the nature of life.

Thomas Aurelius

A Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, often confused with Marcus Aurelius, who emphasized similar themes of virtue and duty in leadership.

rene descartes

A French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist known for his statement "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), which highlights the importance of doubt and reason in the pursuit of knowledge.

David Hume

A Scottish philosopher and historian, known for his empirical approach to philosophy and skepticism regarding human understanding, particularly in relation to causation and religion.

philosophy

The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.

mythos

A traditional or legendary story, often explaining natural or social phenomena, that reflects the beliefs and values of a culture.

logos in philosophy

A principle of reason and judgment that governs the universe, often contrasted with mythos.

thales

An ancient Greek philosopher, considered the first philosopher in Western history, who proposed that water is the essential substance underlying all things.

monism

The philosophical view that all things are fundamentally one and that diversity in the world is an illusion.

Pythagoras

An ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician known for his contributions to mathematics, particularly the Pythagorean theorem, and for founding a religious movement that emphasized the importance of numbers.

“philosophy”(etymology)

The term "philosophy" comes from the Greek word "philosophia," meaning "love of wisdom." It refers to the study of fundamental questions regarding existence, knowledge, values, reason, and reality.

intellectual humility

The recognition of the limits of one's knowledge and an openness to new ideas and perspectives.

metaphysics

The branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of reality, including concepts such as being, existence, and the universe.

epistemology

The branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge, including the methods, validity, and limits of what we can know.

ethics

The branch of philosophy that deals with questions of morality, including concepts of right and wrong, virtue and vice, and moral responsibility.

political philosophy

The study of fundamental questions about government, justice, rights, and the role of individuals in society. It explores the nature of political authority and the ethical implications of political systems.

logic

The branch of philosophy that studies the principles of valid reasoning and argumentation, focusing on the structure of propositions and their relationships.

knowledge

The justified true belief or understanding of information, encompassing the nature and limits of what can be known.

belief

An acceptance that something is true or exists, often without proof. It plays a crucial role in the formation of knowledge.

justification/warrant

The process or reasoning that validates a belief or claim, providing the necessary support to consider it knowledge.

socratic irony

technique used by Socrates in his dialogues, where he pretends to be ignorant or less knowledgeable than he actually is, often in order to encourage others to express their views.

Socratic ignorance

refers to Socrates' professed awareness of his own lack of knowledge, which he often claimed was the only true wisdom he possessed

socratic method

form of cooperative, critical dialogue used to stimulate critical thinking, uncover underlying assumptions, and encourage the pursuit of truth through questioning. It is named after the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, who employed this technique in his philosophical discussions.

euthyphro

one of Plato's early dialogues, in which Socrates engages in a conversation with a man named Euthyphro about the nature of piety or holiness. The dialogue takes place just before Socrates is to stand trial for impiety and corrupting the youth in Athens, as discussed in Plato's Apology.