philosophy- exam

Flashcard #1Term: What is Philosophy?

Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, existence, morality, and human life, using critical thinking, logic, and rational argument.

what is metaphysics

Metaphysics is the study of reality and existence, asking questions such as: What is real? Does free will exist? What makes a person the same person over time? Is the mind separate from the body?

what is materialism

Materialism is the belief that only physical things exist, and that reality consists entirely of matter and energy.

What is Idealism?

Idealism holds that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual, with physical objects depending on the mind.

What is Free Will?

Free Will is the concept that humans can freely choose their actions.

What is Determinism?

Determinism is the belief that every event is caused by previous events, suggesting that human actions may not be truly free.

What is the Mind-Body Problem?

The Mind-Body Problem examines how the mind and body are connected and whether the mind is separate from the brain.

What is Plato's Theory of Forms?

Plato's Theory of Forms posits that the physical world is imperfect and that perfect versions of everything exist in a higher reality called the Forms.

What is Plato's Allegory of the Cave?

Plato's Allegory of the Cave illustrates how prisoners mistake shadows for reality, with the philosopher escaping to discover true reality, symbolizing the journey from ignorance to knowledge.

What is Epistemology?

Epistemology is the study of knowledge, addressing questions such as: What is knowledge? How do we know things? Can we trust our senses? What is truth?

What is Knowledge?

Knowledge is traditionally defined as Justified True Belief.

What is Rationalism?

Rationalism is the belief that knowledge comes primarily from reason, associated with Descartes.

What is Empiricism?

Empiricism is the viewpoint that knowledge comes primarily from experience and the senses, associated with Locke.

What is Skepticism?

Skepticism questions whether certain knowledge is possible and encourages the critical examination of beliefs.

What is Descartes' famous conclusion?

Descartes concluded, 'I think, therefore I am,' demonstrating that thinking proves one's existence.

What is Ethics?

thics is the study of morality and how people should act, dealing with questions like: What is right and wrong? What makes an action moral?

What is Utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism, associated with John Stuart Mill, judges actions by their consequences, aiming for the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

What is a strength of Utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism promotes overall well-being.

What is a weakness of Utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism can ignore individual rights.

What is Virtue Ethics?

Virtue Ethics, associated with Aristotle, focuses on developing good character traits and practicing virtues such as courage, honesty, compassion, and justice.

What is Social and Political Philosophy?

Social and Political Philosophy studies society, government, and justice, addressing questions like: What is justice? Why do governments exist?

What is Justice?

Justice refers to fair treatment and fairness in society.

What are Rights?

Rights are entitlements that people possess simply by being human.

What is Equality?

Equality is the idea that all people deserve equal treatment and opportunities.

What is Social Contract Theory?

Social Contract Theory posits that people agree to give up some freedoms in exchange for protection and social order.

What is Logic?

Logic helps determine whether arguments are valid, consisting of premises and conclusions.

What is Deductive Reasoning?

Deductive Reasoning starts with general principles; if premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

What is Inductive Reasoning?

Inductive Reasoning uses observations to make generalizations where conclusions are probable rather than certain.

What is an Ad Hominem fallacy?

An Ad Hominem fallacy attacks the person instead of the argument.

What is a Straw Man fallacy?

A Straw Man fallacy misrepresents someone's argument to make it easier to attack.

What is a Bandwagon fallacy?

A Bandwagon fallacy assumes something is true simply because many people believe it.

What is a Hasty Generalization?

Hasty Generalization draws conclusions from insufficient evidence.

What is a False Dilemma?

A False Dilemma presents only two options while ignoring other possibilities.

What is a Slippery Slope?

A Slippery Slope fallacy claims one event will inevitably lead to extreme consequences.

Who is Plato?

Plato is known for his Theory of Forms and Allegory of the Cave, believing true knowledge comes from reason.

Who is Aristotle?

Aristotle emphasized observation and practical wisdom, focusing on Virtue Ethics.

Who is René Descartes?

René Descartes is associated with Rationalism and is known for his method of doubt and the phrase 'I think, therefore I am'.

Who is John Locke?

John Locke is known for his Empiricism, arguing that knowledge comes through experience.

Who is Immanuel Kant?

Immanuel Kant is known for his Deontology, emphasizing duty and moral rules.

Who is John Stuart Mill?

John Stuart Mill is known for his Utilitarianism, encapsulated in the greatest happiness principle.

What is Metaphysics defined as?

Metaphysics is the study of reality.

What is Epistemology defined as?

Epistemology is the study of knowledge.

What is Ethics defined as?

Ethics is the study of morality.

What is Rationalism defined as?

Rationalism is knowledge through reason.

What is Empiricism defined as?

Empiricism is knowledge through experience.

What is Skepticism defined as?

Skepticism is doubting knowledge claims.

What is Utilitarianism defined as?

Utilitarianism seeks the greatest good for the greatest number.

What is Virtue Ethics defined as?

Virtue Ethics focuses on character-based ethics.

What is Determinism defined as?

Determinism is the belief that events are caused by previous events.

What is Free Will defined as?

Free Will is the ability to choose actions freely.

What is a Premise?

A Premise is a supporting statement in an argument.

What is a Conclusion?

A Conclusion is the claim being argued in an argument.