Philosophy final

What does it mean for an argument to be valid?

An argument is valid when the premises logically lead to the conclusion; if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true.

What is the difference between a valid argument and a sound argument?

A valid argument is one where the premises lead logically to the conclusion; a sound argument is valid and has all true premises.

What are Modus Ponens and Modus Tollens?

Modus Ponens is a form of argument structure 'If P, then Q; P; therefore Q.' Modus Tollens is 'If P, then Q; not Q; therefore not P.'

What are the key points of Stoicism?

Control what you can, accept what you can’t, live according to nature and reason, and virtue is the only true good.

Define Psychological Egoism.

Psychological Egoism is the descriptive claim that we always act in our self-interest.

What is Ethical Egoism?

Ethical Egoism is the normative claim that we should act in our self-interest.

What is the Formula of Universal Law (FUL) in Kant's moral theory?

Act only on maxims that you could will to be universal laws.

What does the Revised Golden Rule state?

Treat others only as you would be willing to be treated in the same situation.

What are prima facie duties according to Ross’s intuitionism?

Duties such as fidelity, reparation, gratitude, justice, beneficence, self-improvement, and non-maleficence that we weigh based on context.

What is the main idea of utilitarian-consequentialism?

The right action produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

What critiques are associated with utilitarianism?

Critiques include that it ignores justice, rights, intentions, and personal integrity.

Explain Husserl's concept of intentionality.

Intentionality is the idea that consciousness is always about something, with three types: signitive, perceptual, and pictorial.

What is the difference between empty and filled intentions?

Empty intentions are unfulfilled ideas/thoughts, while filled intentions are actual experiences of the object.

What is Taylor's critique of determinism?

If every action is caused by prior events, then we are not truly free but merely acting as we are caused to act.

What is the significance of the M’Naughten Rule in legal contexts?

It establishes that a person may be considered legally insane if they cannot understand the rightness or wrongness of their actions.

Define compatibilism in relation to free will.

Compatibilism is the view that free will is compatible with determinism.

What does Joshua May argue about free will and unconscious influences?

He argues that while unconscious processes affect choices, they do not eliminate freedom.

What is the Hard Problem of Consciousness according to Peck?

It addresses the question of why and how we have subjective experiences.

How does Searle critique Strong AI?

He argues that computers cannot truly understand or think, and that simulating understanding does not equate to actual understanding.

What is Swinburne's Free Will Defense regarding the Problem of Evil?

Real freedom requires the genuine risk of evil, suggesting that evil is necessary for moral development.

Why does Peck argue against the idea of the mind being an emergent property?

Because consciousness resists reduction and is not simply a higher-level property like wetness in water.

What is C.S. Lewis's perspective on evidence?

He suggests that believers maintain faith even without constant verification, highlighting a trust that accommodates doubt.