Philosophy Introduction

Question 1

A priori

Answer 1

Prior to/without experience

Question 2

A posteriori

Answer 2

Post/with experience

Question 3

Analogy

Answer 3

Explain a complex/new idea by comparing it to a familiar idea

Question 4

Define a deductive argument and give an example

Answer 4

The conclusion is logically entailed in the premises.
If the premises are true the conclusion must be true.

e.g.
P1 Socrates is a man.
P2 All men are mortal.
C Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

Question 5

Define an inductive argument and give an example

Answer 5

The conclusion is made probable/more likely by the premises, but not made true.

e.g.
P1 Most girls in Loreto have brown hair.
P2 Sally is a girl in Loreto.
C Therefore, Sally has brown hair.

Question 6

Define analytic propositions and give an example

Answer 6

Statements that are either true or false by definition.

e.g. Brothers are male

Question 7

Define synthetic propositions and give an example

Answer 7

Statements that require experience of the world to know if they are true or false.

e.g. All chairs are red

Question 8

Define necessary truths and give an example

Answer 8

Truths that cannot be false

e.g. 2 + 2 is always 4

Question 9

Define contingent truths and give an example

Answer 9

They happen to be true in the moment/rely on circumstance

e.g. There are 20 people in this room

Question 10

Define empiricism

Answer 10

All knowledge of the world is ultimately based on and justified by experience.

Question 11

What is reductio ad absurdum?

Answer 11

When you prove that a counter argument, if true, would lead to an absurdity.