Test 4 Review

Possible Worlds

Concept that suggests an infinite number of alternative worlds exist, and God must select the best one.

Interconnectedness of Events

The idea that all events in the universe are linked, where even small movements can affect distant areas.

Moral Evil

Evil that serves higher purposes in God's plan, allowing potential goods that outweigh the suffering.

Free Will

The ability granted by God to creatures, essential for growth through moral struggle.

Eudaimonia

A term used to describe human flourishing and ultimate happiness.

Hedonic Calculus

Bentham's system of evaluating pleasure and pain based on intensity and duration.

Trolley Problem

A thought experiment illustrating the ethical dilemmas in utilitarian decision-making.

Utilitarianism

Philosophy that advocates for actions based on their outcomes and overall happiness.

Transcendental Idealism

Kant's theory that suggests our perception is limited by sensory and cognitive faculties.

Thing-in-itself

The true essence of objects as opposed to our perception of them.

Will to Life

Schopenhauer's concept that every living being strives for existence and survival.

Representation

The images and experiences formed in our minds based on sensory information.

Charity in Misery

Philo's skepticism about justifying the human condition while ignoring widespread suffering.

Existential Distress

The troubling thoughts and feelings of helplessness faced by individuals in life.

Epicurus' Paradox

Philosophical questions regarding God's attributes and the existence of evil.

Higher Pleasures

Intellectual and moral pleasures considered superior to mere bodily pleasures.

Lower Pleasures

Bodily pleasures viewed as inferior to higher pleasures in the context of happiness.

Philosophical Skepticism

A viewpoint that questions optimistic perspectives on life and human existence.

Moral Sacrifices

The ethical implications of sacrificing individual rights for collective happiness.

Bathtub's Perception

A metaphor illustrating how our experiences of reality are colored by cognitive faculties.

Radical Conclusions

Schopenhauer’s pessimistic view suggesting the burden of life may outweigh its value.

Life as a Penitentiary

A metaphor used by Schopenhauer to describe existence as a shared suffering.

Grim Existence

Demea's perspective that all beings experience a perpetual struggle for survival.

Divine Benevolence

The questioned notion of whether God's nature allows the existence of evil.

Optimum Universe

Leibniz's concept that the universe can be optimal despite individual imperfections.

Self-awareness

A distinguishing trait of humans leading to a complex relationship with suffering.

Compassion

The recognition of shared suffering, fostering kindness towards others.