Ancient Philosophical Influences Flashcards
Plato
Plato was an Ancient Greek Philosopher and perhaps one of the most influential and well known philosophers in history.
Logical Reasoning
The process of using a rational, systematic series of steps based on sound mathematical procedures and given statements to arrive at a conclusion.
Metaphysics
A major branch in philosophy. It concerns existence and the nature of things that exist. Altogether it is a theory of reality.
A Priori
Relating to what can be known through an understanding of how certain things work rather than by observation.
Theory of Froms
Plato’s theory that everything on earth is an inferior copy of Ideal Forms in a permanent spiritual reality. Thus there are forms not only of objects such as tables and chairs, but also of concepts such as number or beauty. The highest form is the Form of the Good.
Analogy of the Cave
An analogy put forward by Plato to help people understand the theory of the forms.
Empiricism
The theory that all knowledge is based on experience derived from the senses.
Aristotle
Student of the philosopher Plato but did not agree with his theory of forms.
Four Causes
Aristotle thought that all things within the universe centered on the four causes of being. They are the material, formal, efficient, and the final cause.
Teleology
From the Greek telos, meaning end or purpose is the philosophical study of nature by attempting to describe things in terms of their apparent purpose or goal.
Unmoved Mover
The unmoved mover or prime mover is a concept advanced by Aristotle as a primary cause or “mover” of all the motion in the universe.
Eternal
Lasting or existing forever; without an end.
Actuality
The state of existing in reality.
Potentiality
The ability to develop or come into existence.
