Introduction to Philosophy and Its Branches

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the real definition of philosophy, its primary branches including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, aesthetics, and the historical 'Big Three' Greek philosophers.

Philosophy (Real Definition)

The science of all things or beings in their ultimate causes or principles acquired by the natural light of reason alone.

Metaphysics

Derived from 'meta' (beyond) and 'physikon' (nature/physical), it investigates the fundamental nature of reality, being, and existence, including questions about the non-physical world.

Ontology

A branch of philosophy under the division of being that deals with the study of existence and the nature of being.

Epistemology

The 'theory of knowledge' derived from 'episteme' (knowledge) and 'logos' (study of), which investigates the origins, nature, extent, veracity, reliability, and validity of knowledge.

Aesthetics

Derived from 'aisthetikos' (sense of perception), it is the study of beauty and art, specifically what makes something art and how we evaluate artistic value.

Art (in Aesthetics)

The expression of man's creativeness or skills in doing things beautifully.

Beauty (in Aesthetics)

The quality attributed to whatever pleases the beholder, such as form, color, or behavior.

Ethics

Derived from 'ethos' (customs, manners), it investigates the right and wrong in human behavior and the morality of human acts and conducts.

Human Acts

Actions performed with the use of free will and intellect; they are done freely, deliberately, and voluntarily.

Acts of Man

Actions performed without free will and intellect, some of which are done by instinct.

Logic

Derived from 'logos' (word or thought) and 'logike' (treatises), it is the science and art of correct thinking and orderly reasoning.

Philosophy of the Human Person

A branch focusing on human nature, identity, and purpose, addressing questions such as 'Who am I?' and how body and mind relate.

Political Philosophy

A branch focusing on government, justice, rights, and law, investigating the best form of government and the role of the state.

Cosmology

A branch of philosophy concerned with the study of the world, categorized under the philosophy of non-living being.

Theodicy

A branch of philosophy categorized under the division of being that deals with the study of God.

Socrates ($c. 470 - 399 \text{ BCE}$)

Known as 'The Street Philosopher,' he believed wisdom begins with admitting ignorance and focused heavily on ethics, virtue, and the Socratic Method.

Socratic Method

A teaching method using a series of probing questions instead of lecturing to force people to examine assumptions, find logical flaws, and discover truths.

Plato

One of the 'Big Three' of Western philosophy whose core philosophy centered on Ideals and Forms.

Aristotle

One of the 'Big Three' of Western philosophy whose core philosophy centered on concrete observation and logic.

Axiology

A branch of philosophy listed in the division of being, alongside ethics and aesthetics, typically dealing with the study of values.