Philosophy

a structured method of reasoning in which truth is reached through the systematic exchange of logical arguments

The philosopher taught dialectic as a way to uncover inconsistencies in thought.

a person's overall philosophical perspective or worldview

A person's weltanschauung shapes their perception of reality.

the rejection or denial of all established authority, values, and institutions

Political nihilism often manifests as distrust of governments.

the doctrine that the best measure or decision is the one that satisfies the majority of people

Utilitarianism holds that the morality of an action is determined by its consequences, with the greatest good for the greatest number being the guiding principle.

an ancient Greek philosophy that values virtue and encourages living in harmony with nature's divine Reason

Stoicism philosophy teaches that major life changes and loss, while painful, need not shatter one's inner strength and tranquility if one submits to fate.

a philosophical concept or belief system that asserts the self as the only reality and that only the individual's mind is sure to exist

Solipsism suggests that the individual's own thoughts and perceptions are the only certain reality.

the branch of philosophy that is concerned with concepts such as existence, being, and reality

Ontology explores questions about what exists, how entities relate to one another, and the fundamental nature of reality.

a philosophical theory asserting that all of reality is fundamentally unified and derived from a single substance or principle

Materialistic monism contends that everything in the universe is ultimately composed of physical matter.

a philosophy that emphasizes individual rights, reason, and laissez-faire capitalism

Objectivism posits that reality exists independently of consciousness and that individuals can gain objective knowledge through reason.

a notion in philosophy according to which knowledge, moral values, and ethical obligations are subjective and there is no external or objective truth

Subjectivism asserts that truth and morality are relative to individual perspectives, rejecting the existence of universal or objective standards.

the belief that life is inherently meaningless, yet individuals can create their own meaning

Absurdism, as articulated by philosophers like Albert Camus, holds that the search for meaning in a chaotic and indifferent universe is inherently futile.

the study of purpose, design, and final causes in the natural world, exploring the idea that things have inherent goals or intentions

Evolutionary biology often explores the apparent teleology in the adaptations of living organisms, considering whether they result from intentional design.

the philosophy illustrating the core acknowledgment of one's existence through the act of thinking

René Descartes famously encapsulated the essence of cogito in the phrase "Cogito, ergo sum," meaning "I think, therefore I am."

a unicellular microorganism

The biologist observed a monad under the microscope.

a philosophical movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing the practical consequences and real-world effectiveness of beliefs, theories, and actions

Philosophical pragmatism, as advocated by thinkers like William James, emphasizes the practical consequences of ideas and beliefs rather than their abstract or theoretical foundations.

a philosophical term referring to the intrinsic nature of a thing, independent of human perception, in contrast to phenomena which are how things appear to human observers

The concept of noumenon underscores the idea that our knowledge is constrained to the realm of appearances.

a state of existing beyond the bounds of physical or material experience

Meditation helped her achieve a sense of transcendence beyond everyday concerns.

(in philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is derived from sensory experience rather than theory or intuition

John Locke is a central figure in philosophical empiricism.

a Chinese philosophy and religion founded on the teachings of Lao-tzu and developed by Chuang-tzu, emphasizing harmony with the Tao, simplicity, and natural order

Taoism teaches that the best way to live is to follow the flow of nature.

a philosophy advocating minimal government intervention and prioritizing individual freedom

The core principle of libertarianism is prioritizing individual rights and autonomy.

the belief that reality consists of two fundamental and opposing components, such as mind and body or good and evil

Cartesian dualism, proposed by René Descartes, posits a separation between the mind and the body as two distinct substances.

the philosophical doctrine that all events are predetermined and humans cannot change them

Ancient Stoics embraced fatalism, believing the course of life was fixed.

a philosophy method that reveals and challenges underlying assumptions in texts and concepts

Deconstruction uncovers hidden meanings in texts.

an ethical doctrine holding that the pursuit of pleasure is the highest good and proper aim of life

Ancient Greek philosophers such as Epicurus developed theories of hedonism.

related to the philosophical concepts of René Descartes, particularly his focus on rationalism and mind-body dualism

Descartes' cartesian philosophy stresses the importance of reason and logic.

relating to the philosophical principles advocated by Immanuel Kant, focusing on rationality and morality

Rooted in Kantian ethics is the emphasis on rationality in determining morality.

related to the teaching or method of questioning used by the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates

The Socratic method involves asking probing questions to stimulate discussion and promote understanding.

existing beyond or outside the limits of the natural or physical world

The mystic claimed to have seen a transcendental realm beyond human perception.

a fundamental belief or principle that is central to a system of thought, philosophy, or religion

The tenet of democracy underscores the importance of representative governance and individual freedoms.