Scholasticism and Logic Flashcards

Scholasticism and Classical Philosophical Methods

  • Scholasticism:

    • Definition: A way of using reason and logic to answer questions about philosophy and religion.
    • Core Concept: Learning through reasoning.
    • Memory Trick: SCHOLASTICISM=SCHOOL+LOGIC\text{SCHOLASTICISM} = \text{SCHOOL} + \text{LOGIC}

  • Dialectics:

    • Definition: Looking at both sides of an argument.
    • Concrete Example:
    • Argument: Yes, social media is useful.
    • Counterargument: But social media can also be harmful.
    • Conclusion: Think about BOTH sides.

  • Syllogism:

    • Definition: Two premises that lead to a conclusion.
    • Logical Structure: Premise 1+Premise 2=Conclusion\text{Premise 1} + \text{Premise 2} = \text{Conclusion}
    • Concrete Example:
    • Premise 1: All humans are mortal.
    • Premise 2: Juan is human.
    • Conclusion: Juan is mortal.

Key Figures in Scholastic and Medieval Philosophy

  • Thomas Aquinas:

    • Description: A famous Scholastic thinker who connected Aristotle's ideas with Christian theology.
    • Memory Trick: AQUINAS=ARISTOTLE+CHRISTIANITY\text{AQUINAS} = \text{ARISTOTLE} + \text{CHRISTIANITY}

  • Peter Abelard:

    • Description: Known for dialectical debate and reasoning.
    • Memory Trick: ABELARD=ARGUMENT\text{ABELARD} = \text{ARGUMENT}(Both start with the letter A).

  • Averroes:

    • Description: A Muslim philosopher and scholar associated with Aristotle.
    • Also Known As: Ibn Rushd.
    • Key Association: Muslim + Aristotle.

  • Avicenna:

    • Description: A Muslim philosopher and scholar who preserved and developed philosophical knowledge.
    • Also Known As: Ibn Sina.

  • Maimonides:

    • Description: A Jewish philosopher who engaged with Aristotelian philosophy.
    • Memory Trick: MAIMONIDES=JEWISH PHILOSOPHER\text{MAIMONIDES} = \text{JEWISH PHILOSOPHER}

Modern Logic and Boolean Systems

  • Modern Logic:

    • Definition: A more formal and systematic way of reasoning.
    • Memory Trick: MODERN LOGIC=FORMAL REASONING\text{MODERN LOGIC} = \text{FORMAL REASONING}

  • George Boole:

    • Description: Known for Boolean algebra and logic.
    • Rule of Thumb: If you see Boolean, answer George Boole.
    • Memory Trick: BOOLE=BOOLEAN\text{BOOLE} = \text{BOOLEAN}

  • Boolean Logic Operators:

    • AND: Both conditions must be true.
    • OR: At least one condition can be true.
    • NOT: Reverses/negates a condition.
    • Memory Trick: A-O-N (AND - OR - NOT).

Major Figures in Modern and Symbolic Logic

  • Gottlob Frege (Gottolob Frege):

    • Description: An important figure in predicate logic.
    • Associated Logical Ideas:
    • For all
    • There exists
    • Memory Trick: FREGE=FOR ALL\text{FREGE} = \text{FOR ALL}(Both begin with the letter F).

  • Russell & Whitehead:

    • Description: Associated with Principia Mathematica and symbolic logic.
    • Memory Trick: R+W=PRINCIPIA\text{R} + \text{W} = \text{PRINCIPIA}Russell+Whitehead→Principia Mathematica\text{Russell} + \text{Whitehead} \rightarrow \text{Principia Mathematica}

Four-Step Problem Solving Method

  • Overview: A fundamental 4-step sequence for systematic problem solving.
  • Memory Trick: U-P-D-C
  • Step-by-Step Procedure:
    1. UNDERSTAND: What is the problem?
    2. PLAN: What will I do?
    3. DO: Carry out the plan.
    4. CHECK: Did it work?

Summary Reference Table and Final Quiz Bee Review

  • Most Important People Summary Table:

    • Thomas Aquinas: Aristotle + Christianity
    • Peter Abelard: Argument / Dialectics
    • Averroes: Muslim + Aristotle
    • Avicenna: Muslim philosopher (Ibn Sina)
    • Maimonides: Jewish philosopher
    • George Boole: Boolean
    • Gottlob Frege: Predicate logic
    • Russell & Whitehead: Principia Mathematica

  • Final 30-Second Review Guide:

    • SCHOLASTICISM: Reasoning
    • DIALECTICS: Both sides
    • SYLLOGISM: P+P=C\text{P} + \text{P} = \text{C}
    • AQUINAS: Aristotle + Christianity
    • ABELARD: Argument
    • AVERROES: Muslim + Aristotle
    • AVICENNA: Ibn Sina
    • MAIMONIDES: Jewish philosopher
    • BOOLE: Boolean
    • FREGE: Predicate logic
    • RUSSELL + WHITEHEAD: Principia
    • BOOLEAN: AND + OR + NOT
    • PROBLEM SOLVING: U-P-D-C