MT Flashcards
(164 cards)
What is the definition of Philosophy?
Philosophy is the pursuit to apply correct knowledge.
Derived from ‘Philia’ (Love) and ‘Sophia’ (Wisdom), meaning Love of Wisdom.
What are the four branches of Philosophy?
- Metaphysics
- Epistemology
- Logic
- Ethics
Some scholars propose a fifth branch, but only four are discussed here.
What does Metaphysics deal with?
Concepts and questions regarding the notion of God, Soul, and freedom.
It examines what is beyond the physical or sensible experience.
Define Epistemology.
The study of knowledge, including how knowledge is acquired and its extent.
‘Episteme’ means knowledge and ‘logos’ means study.
What is the focus of Logic in philosophy?
To distinguish sound reasoning from unsound reasoning.
‘Logos’ translates to word or study.
What is Ethics concerned with?
Questions of how human persons ought to act and the search for a definition of right conduct and the good life.
‘Ethos’ refers to custom, character, or habit.
What is Philosophical Reflection?
The act of giving time to think about the meaning and purpose of life.
It involves deeper engagement with one’s experiences.
Differentiate between Primary and Secondary Reflection.
- Primary Reflection: Fragmented, selfish thinking that analyzes past events.
- Secondary Reflection: Integrates experiences into a coherent whole, representing genuine thinking.
What skills are necessary for doing philosophy?
- Philosophical Reflection
- Construction and evaluation of argument
These skills enable deeper understanding and systematic expression of ideas.
How can we determine the wrongness of a human action?
- If it does not conform to moral standards
- If it affects the well-being of others
- If it violates another person’s freedom.
How can we determine the rightness of a human action?
- If it conforms to moral standards
- If it generates ultimate goodness for the majority
- If it leads to happiness.
What is Critical Thinking?
The analysis of a situation or careful deliberation of circumstances or socio-cultural dynamics.
Define Ethical Thinking.
A type of thinking that deliberates on social issues and acts for a socially just and humane society.
What is the Greek origin of the word Ethics?
Ethos, meaning habit.
What is the distinction between Ethics and Morality?
- Ethics: Theory of right action and the greater good.
- Morality: Practice of rightness or wrongness of human actions.
What are the types of Ethics?
- Normative Ethics
- Metaethics
- Applied Ethics.
What is Normative Ethics?
Prescriptive study that seeks to set norms regulating right and wrong conduct.
What does Metaethics question?
The meanings of various ethical terms and the nature of ethical principles.
What is Applied Ethics?
Attempts to apply ethical theories to specific instances, such as in business or medicine.
What is the relationship between morality and living a good life?
Morality provides rules of conduct for living a life of virtue.
What is the descriptive sense of morality?
Codes of conduct put forward by society or accepted by individuals for their behavior.
What are the implications of Descriptive Ethics?
- No universal morality exists
- Rules apply only within specific groups
- Presupposes a universal moral principle
- Presupposes a moral agent.
What distinguishes Moral Standards from Non-moral Standards?
- Moral Standards: Justified by reason.
- Non-moral Standards: Concerned with preferences, not moral actions.
What is a Moral Dilemma?
A situation where an individual is torn between conflicting moral requirements.