Phil

Why is philosophical inquiry important part if an educated life?

-A goal of the development of the total intellect of a person, the realization of the human potential

What does the fire represent in the Allegory of the Cave by Plato?

-A source of manufactured light. It represents manufactured information/beliefs. -These may be true or untrue, but it is still passed on from others.

What is the Theory of Forms?

-A theory developed to explain reality

According to Immanuel Kant, what does "a posteriori" mean?

-After sensory observation -We know it because of our senses

What is knowledge?

-An accepted body of facts or ideas acquired through the use of the sense or reasons, or through research methods

How is reason a source of knowledge?

-Analogical thinking -Data already ingrained into our minds -Rational or Logical Knowledge

What is epistemology?

-Branch of philosophy dedicated to exploring "ways of knowing"

What is rational epistemology?

-Claims that knowledge (as opposed to opinion) is possible only if it is based on self-evident and absolutely certain principles. -Such principles are not learned through reasoning. -Sense experience cannot provide the certainty needed to guarantee that what we claim to know is true

According to Plato, the ideal Form is the ultimate ________ of the object or idea.

-Concept

What is the importance of doubt according to Descartes?

-Doubt is always present i the structure of faith -Doubt causes one to consider the certainty of each of his beliefs, one by one.

What does the escaped prisoner represent in the Allegory of the Cave by Plato?

-Escaped prisoner returns to cave to inform others of his findings. They do not believe him and threaten to kill him if he tries to free them.

What is the importance of authentic faith according to Tillich?

-Faith is the act of committing oneself to an idea after "processing" it. After raising doubts and analyzing it. -Despite all hesitations and speculation you still are invested in the idea and work with it.

What are the 3 different grounds of philosophical thinking according to Blackburn?

-High -Middle -Low

What does the "low" ground of philosophical thinking mean according to Blackburn?

-Ideas about rights, the value of other persons affect how we treat others.

The existence of Forms as transcendent, eternal archetypes enables Plato to distinguish genuine ________ from mere ________.

-Knowledge from mere Opinon

What is Plato's Tripartite Analysis of Knowledge?

-Knowledge is when a true belief has justification -The tripartite theory says that if you believe something, with justification, and it is true, then you know it; otherwise, you do not. -Belief -Truth -Justification

What are the benefits of synoptic thinking?

-Leads to greater awareness of self -Produces greater awareness of daily life -Our conscious and unconscious operations move more efficiently within a coherent worldview that is free of internal contradictions and conflicts

How are the senses a source of knowledge?

-Observational Knowledge

What does Socrates mean by saying, "the un-examined life is not worth living"?

-Only humans can inquire (look into) so if you do not inquire you are wasting your humanity. -Philosophical inquiry is necessary

What does Socrates mean by saying, "know thyself"?

-People need to understand themselves and what they think and believe before they try to influence others

What does the "high" ground of philosophical thinking mean according to Blackburn?

-Philosophy seeks answers to big questions because it wants to understand. It seeks knowledge for its own sake rather than for utility.

According to Immanuel Kant, what does "a priori" mean?

-Prior to sensory experiences

What are the sources of knowledge?

-Reason -Senses

What does the "middle" ground of philosophical thinking mean according to Blackburn?

-Reflection is continuous with practice, and practice can get worse or better depending on the soundness of our reflections.

What does the prisoners represent in the Allegory of the Cave by Plato?

-Represent all individuals as souls trapped in a sensory world

What does the shadows represent in the Allegory of the Cave by Plato?

-Represent the knowledge/beliefs we gain from others and accept as truths.

What does the shackles (chains) represent in the Allegory of the Cave by Plato?

-Represents anything that keeps the individual from having the freedom to learn

What does the cave represent in the Allegory of the Cave by Plato?

-Represents the sensory or superficial world, in which individuals simply react to the information that is presented to them

What is the primary source of knowledge?

-Senses

What is a rationalist?

-Someone who prioritises logic and reason over experience

What is the Cartesian Method of Doubt?

-Tells us to accept only those beliefs that don't contradict what we already know

What is philosophical inquiry?

-The goal is to gain insight into questions about knowledge, truth, reason, reality, meaning, mind and value

What is synoptic philosophy?

-The love of wisdom that comes from achieving a coherent picture of everything seen together.

What are the risks of synoptic thinking?

-The possibility of knowing more and more about less and less until you know everything about nothing -Loss of the ability to communicate -Tendency to misuse and misunderstand the discoveries from their fields -Antidote for small thought

You cannot have knowledge without ______.

-Truth

Truth vs. Knowledge

-Truth - That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality. -Knowledge - What is known in a particular field or in total; facts and information.

What does the sun represent in the Allegory of the Cave by Plato?

-Universal symbol of truth, knowledge, and/or goodness.

What are some big questions from Epistemologist?

-What is knowledge? -What is truth? -What do they come from?