Phils and Ethics Key Concepts List

Eudaimonia

True happiness, flourishing, and wellbeing according to Aristotle.

Doxa

General, popular opinion treated as truth but not necessarily true, as per Socrates.

Love

Two types - love of physical forms and love of character, leading to the concept of "platonic love" by Plato.

Rationalism

All knowledge is acquired through logical, rational thinking, a concept by Plato.

Democracy

Power to the people, where citizens hold the power, as per Greek philosophy.

Morality

Acting immorally harms oneself more than others, a belief by Plato.

Empiricism

Gaining knowledge through observations of the world, an idea by Aristotle.

Techne

Practiced skill or talent, commonly developed in work and the physical body, according to Greek philosophy.

Ergon

Function or work, believed to exist in everything, as per Greek philosophy.

Telos

Ultimate end purpose of something, achieved through techne and ergon, with the general human telos being arete or excellence in knowledge of living a fulfilling life, according to Greek philosophy.

Phronesis

Knowing virtues to practice them and associate with others who possess the needed virtues, a concept by Aristotle.

To Kalon

Generally meaning good or agreeable, can also refer to beautiful or most appropriate, as per Plato, Aristotle, and others.

Catharsis

Emotional cleansing, especially negative emotions, through art that imitates real life, a concept by Aristotle.

Epicureanism

Pursuit of peace, lack of fear and pain, and moral actions for pleasure, as advocated by Epicurus.

Hedonism

Maximizing pleasure as life's goal, often through luxury, a belief in Greek philosophy.

Stoicism

Path to eudaimonia through virtuous living (wisdom, justice, courage, temperance) and attaining true happiness regardless of circumstances.