Philosophy on Socrates

Argument

Structured set of statements or propositions aimed at establishing truth or validity. Contains premises and a conclusion.

Ethics

branch of philosophy that studies moral principles, values, and rules that guide human behavior and decision-making. Helps individuals and societies determine what is right and wrong.

Ostensive definition

way of defining a term by pointing to or demonstrating examples of it. This is useful where explaining concepts verbally is difficult.

Proposition

Declarative statement that expresses a clear idea that can be true or false. The building blocks of arguments.

Epistemology

Branch of philosophy that studies the nature and validity of knowledge. Helps us understand how we acquire knowledge.

Enumerative definition

Defines a term by listing specific examples or instances of what it is. It is good for clarifying concepts.

Valid argument

When the conclusion follow the premises, assuming that the premises are true. Ensures that there is logical structure of reasoning.

Metaphysics

Branch of philosophy that studies the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and the universe. It addresses profound questions about what exists and how reality is structured.

Nominal definiton

Explains the meaning of a term by using words or synonyms. It helps clarify language and communication by establishing agreed-upon meanings for terms.

Sound argument

Valid argument with all true premises. Provides a reliable basis for establishing truth values in arguments.

Logic

Study of the principles of valid reasoning. Provides the tools to evaluate arguments and identify fallacies.

Real definition

Explains the essential nature or fundamental characteristics of a thing. Helps us understand what something truly is

Negation

Negation is a logical operation that reverses the truth value of a statement. Allows us to express contradictions

Eudaimonia (happiness)

The highest human good or living in accordance with virtue and reason. Emphasizing a life of purpose, virtue, and fulfillment rather than mere pleasure.

Circular definition

Defines a term using the term itself or a synonym, resulting in no real clarification. It is considered a logical fallacy.

Condition statemnt

If…Then statement that asserts a relationship between a hypothesis and a conclusion. Key component in logical reasoning.

Arete

Virtue in the context of moral character and fulfilling one's potential. Emphasizes the development of good character in ethical behavior.

Tacit knowledge

Knowledge that is difficult to articulate, gained from experience. Highlights the limitations of teaching verbally.

Begging the question

logical fallacy where the conclusion of an argument is assumed in the premises, making the argument circular.

Psuche

Refers to the mind, soul, or life force in ancient Greek philosophy, often associated with consciousness and identity.

Occurant knowledge

Knowledge that is actively being thought about or used at a given moment.

Necessary condition

Something that must be true for a statement or event to occur.

Anamnesis

Idea that learning is a process of recollecting knowledge from past lives. Challenges the notion that learning is experiential.

A priori claim

Statements known independently of experience, based on reason or logic.

Sufficient condition

Something that, if true, guarantees the truth of a statement or occurrence of an event. Helps clarify logical and casual relationships, enabling precise reasoning.

Intrisic good

Something valuable in itself, not for the sake of anything else. Central to ethical theories that focus on the inherent value of actions.

A posteriori claim

Known through experience and they are essential in everyday knowledge.

Analogical argument

Draws a conclusion by comparing similarities between 2+ things. It is a powerful tool for reasoning but can be bad if it is weak.

Instrumental good

Something valuable as a means to achieve something else. Helps distinguish between means and ends in ethical reasoning.

Dualism

Philosophical view that the mind and body are 2 separate things. Raises the question about the nature of the soul and identity of a person.

Contrary terms

Pairs of statements that cannot both be true but can both be false. Important for understanding opposition and contradiction.

Social contract theory

Idea that individuals consent to surrender some freedoms for social order and protection. Underpins the theories of justice and rights.

Materialism

Philosophical view that everything can be explained in terms of physical matter. Challenges dualism.

Contradictory terms

Pairs of statements where one must be false and one must be true. Fundamental in logic for constructing valid arguments.

Accidental property

Characteristic that a thing happens to have but is not essential to its nature. Distinguishes between essential and non-essential traits.

Epiphenomenalism

View that mental states are byproducts of physical processes and have no causal influence on the physical world. Challenges notions of free will and the mind-body relationship in philosophy.

Equivocation

Logical fallacy where a word is ambiguous and used to confuse or mislead. Undermines clear reasoning.

Essential property

Characteristic that a thing must have to be what it is. Central to understanding identity and definition in philosophy.