Philosophy

Question 1

What is philosophy

Answer 1

Philosophy is the attempt to answer fundamental questions using your own power of cognition

Question 2

What are philosophical arguments

Answer 2

Attempt to convince people of a point of view by giving good reasons for it

Question 3

What is the structure of a philosophical argument?

Answer 3

1. [Reason]
2. If [Reason] then [View]
3. So [View]

eg.
1. The sky looks blue
2. If the sky looks blue then it is blue
3. So the sky is blue

Question 4

What makes a philosophical argument good

Answer 4

When both premises (step 1 and 2) are true

Question 5

What is a premiss

Answer 5

Reasons given and additional assumptions

Question 6

In terms of philosophy, what is an observation

Answer 6

A public experience

Question 7

What did Aristotle believe

Answer 7

The ancient Greek philosopher and scientist concluded from studying biology that each natural object has it’s purpose called a “final cause” or “telos”

Question 8

When did Saint Thomas Acquinas rediscover Aristotle? And what did he aim to sh?

Answer 8

1200AD

He wanted to show how Aristotle’s non-Christian philosophy (the power of reason alone) was compatible with Christianity

Question 9

What is the Analogy of the archer

Answer 9

If you saw an arrow hurling through the air towards a target, how would you imagine it got there?