Philosophy — Western Canon

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Socratic Method

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Socratic Method

A form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking.

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What is the Allegory of the Cave?

Plato's allegory depicting prisoners in a cave who perceive reality only through shadows, illustrating the difference between the world of appearances and the world of Forms.

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Utilitarianism

An ethical theory that posits the best action maximizes overall happiness or utility.

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Who wrote 'The Republic'?

Plato

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Categorical Imperative

Kant's central philosophical concept that acts as a universal moral law, stating that one should only act according to maxims that could be universal laws.

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Metaphysics

The branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of existence, being, and the world.

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What is the main idea of Descartes' 'Cogito, ergo sum'?

The phrase means 'I think, therefore I am,' suggesting that the act of thinking is proof of one's existence.

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Dialectic

A method of argument for resolving disagreement that involves contradictory processes.

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Hedonism

The philosophy that pleasure is the highest good and primary motivation of human life.

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What does Nietzsche's concept of 'Übermensch' refer to?

The idea of a superior individual who transcends conventional morality to create their own values.

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Empiricism

The theory that all knowledge originates from sensory experience.

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Who is known for formulating the ontological argument?

Anselm of Canterbury

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Existentialism

A philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice.

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What is the main focus of Aristotle's 'Nicomachean Ethics'?

The study of virtue and the concept of the 'good life' as one of virtuous activity.

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Dualism

The belief that reality consists of two distinct entities: mind and matter.

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Who authored 'Critique of Pure Reason'?

Immanuel Kant

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What is the 'Veil of Ignorance'?

A concept introduced by John Rawls to ensure impartiality in justice, where decision-makers are ignorant of their own position in society.

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Rationalism

The belief that reason and logic are the primary sources of knowledge rather than sensory experience.

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Who is associated with the phrase 'the will to power'?

Friedrich Nietzsche

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What is the primary concern of political philosophy?

The study of topics such as politics, liberty, justice, property, rights, and the enforcement of a legal code by authority.

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Stoicism

A school of philosophy teaching the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to overcome destructive emotions.

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Who wrote 'Meditations'?

Marcus Aurelius

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What is the 'Social Contract'?

A theory or model originating during the Age of Enlightenment that typically posits that individuals have consented, either explicitly or tacitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of the ruler in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

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Phenomenology

The philosophical study of the structures of experience and consciousness.

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Who is known for the statement 'God is dead'?

Friedrich Nietzsche

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What is the difference between deontology and consequentialism?

**Deontology** focuses on the intrinsic morality of actions, while **consequentialism** evaluates the morality based on the outcomes.

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Epistemology

The branch of philosophy concerned with the theory of knowledge.

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Who is the author of 'Being and Time'?

Martin Heidegger

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