Philosophy mid-term 20 Flashcards
Logic
Disjunctive Syllogism
Form: A V B, -A → B
Example “I will study or sleep. If I don’t study, then I must sleep.”
If only two options are presented and one is ruled out, the other must be true.
Modus Ponens
If the condition (A) is true, the result (B) must also be true. This is valid reasoning.
Form: A —> B, A :. B
Example: “If I exercise, I’ll get fit. I exercised, so i’m fit”
Modus Tollens
If the result (B) is false, the condition (A) that led to it must also be false.
Form: A —> B, -B :. -A
Example: “If it rains, I’ll get wet. I’m wet. I;m not wet, so it didn’t rain.”
Affirming the Consequent
Mistakenly assuming that if the result is true, the condition must also be true.
Example: “If it rains, I’ll get wet. I’m wet, so it must have rained.”
Issue: Wetness could have another cause (e.g., sprinklers).
Denying the Antecedent
Mistakenly assuming that if the condition is false, the result must also be false.
Example: If it rains, I’ll get wet. It’s not raining, so I won’t get wet.”
Issue: Overlooks middle ground or alternative viewpoints
Facts
describe objective realities, measurable and observable.
Example: “water boils at 100c degrees c”
Values
express judgements about what is good or desirable.
Example: “we should conserve water to protect the environment.”
Anti-Realist View of Ethics
Ethical statements do not reflect objective truths but are based on human feelings, social agreements, or perspectives.
Example:”stealing is wrong” depends on societal norms or personal beliefs.
Objective:
Universally true, independent of opinions.
Example: “The Earth orbits the Sun”
Intersubjective:
Shared agreements among people
Example: “Money has value because we all agree on its use.”
Subjective:
Varies from person to person
Example: “Chocolate is the best flavour.”
Nozick’s Experience Machine
Thought experiment: A Machine gives endless pleasure by simulating experiences would you plug in?
For: Maximizes pleasure, which some argue is the goal of life.
Against: Life is about more than pleasure; we value authenticity, personal growth, and real relationships.
Capabilities Approach (Amartya Sen & Martha Nussbaum)
Focus on enabling individuals to achieve their potential
Key idea: Justice isn’t just about resources or happiness but empowering people to live the lives they value
Example: Providing education helps individuals achieve knowledge and independence, not just material wealth
Eudaimonistic Theories
Eudaimonistic theories focus on the idea that a good life is about achieving happiness or flourishing (from the Greek word eudaimonia). They emphasize living in a way that fulfills your potential and brings long-term well-being, rather than just seeking temporary pleasure.
Practical Ethics
Deception and the Happy life
Thought experiment: Is it ethical to deceive someone if it makes them happy?
Example: A cruel trick could make someone believe they achieved their dreams– but is that true happiness?
Key Idea: Genuines happiness involves authenticity and integrity
Practical Ethics: Advice from Others
External perspectives help identify blind spots in pursuing a good life
Example: A mentor might see your potential better than you do
Non- Western Perspectives
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is about “togetherness”—recognizing that we are all part of one human family. It teaches that when we lift others up, we all grow stronger, and living a good life means being good to others.
Non- Western Perspectives: Buddhism (analytical)
Sukha: Deep, Lasting happiness from inner peace and wisdom.
Duhkha: Suffering caused by attachment, craving, and ignorance
Pratītyasamutpāda: Interdependence; nothing exists in isolation
Anātman: No permanent self; identity is ever-changing
Buddhism teaches us to think deeply about life, understand why we feel pain, and find peace by changing our mindset and actions. It’s about knowing yourself, letting go of what doesn’t help, and living with kindness and wisdom.
Non- Western Perspectives
: Buddhism (contemplative)
The contemplative approach in Buddhism is about sitting quietly, observing your mind, and learning about life through personal insight. It’s like looking inside yourself to discover peace, truth, and a deeper understanding of the world.
