The Beginnings of Philosophy (pt 2)

Question 1

Who were the Pythagoreans?

Answer 1

1. Religious brotherhood
2. Reality at its deepest level is mathematical
3. Believed in reincarnation
4. Sought to purify the believer’s soul in order to escape from the wheel of rebirth

Question 2

Who is the father of modern existentialism?

Why

Answer 2

1. Heraclitus
2. All things are in a state of becoming as distinguished from being

Question 3

What is Heraclitus’ motto?

Answer 3

1. “You cannot step into the same river twice”

Question 4

What is existentialism?

Answer 4

1. Each person creates their own meaning and purpose

[Planned Parenthood v. Casey, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the majority, declared that “at the heart of liberty is the right to define one’s own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life” (505, US, 851).]

Question 5

What are Parmenides two famous quotes?

Answer 5

1. “Whatever is, is” (that which truly exists is not in flux)
2. “Out of nothing, nothing comes” (ex nihilo, nihil fit)