Philosophical Concepts in Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lectures on major philosophical ideas from Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant.

What method does Descartes employ to discard false beliefs?

The method of doubt, which involves rejecting all previously held beliefs to find certainty.

What is the key idea of Descartes' dream argument?

It raises the possibility that our sensory experiences could be just as false as those in dreams, leading to systematic doubt.

What does Descartes conclude with 'I think, therefore I am'?

It serves as the first principle of philosophy and a point of certainty, indicating that one's existence is confirmed through the act of thinking.

What does Descartes mean by 'vivid and clear ideas'?

Ideas perceived clearly and vividly are considered certain truths.

What is Locke's primary argument against innate ideas?

Locke argues that just because principles are universally accepted does not mean they are innate; other explanations for their acceptance exist.

How does Locke define knowledge?

Knowledge arises from sensory experience and reflection, where the mind is seen as a 'blank slate' that gathers ideas.

What are primary and secondary qualities according to Locke?

Primary qualities are inherent to objects (like size and shape), while secondary qualities are dependent on perception (like color and taste).

What is Berkeley's key philosophical stance?

To be is to be perceived; reality consists only of minds and ideas, denying the existence of material substances outside of perception.

In Hume's philosophy, how are ideas connected?

Ideas are connected through resemblance, contiguity, and cause and effect, forming chains of thought.

What is Hume's distinction between 'relations of ideas' and 'matters of fact'?

Relations of ideas are known through reason (e.g., mathematical truths), while matters of fact rely on sensory experience (e.g., empirical claims).

What is Kant's Copernican Revolution in philosophy?

It proposes that our understanding shapes our experience of the world, emphasizing that we impose models on reality rather than just receiving information passively.

What is the significance of synthetic a priori judgements for Kant?

They are essential for metaphysics to be considered a science, as they provide knowledge that is both necessary and informative.

What is the purpose of Kant's transcendental argument?

To demonstrate that synthetic a priori judgements are a necessary condition for the existence of metaphysics as a science.