Thought and Belief #1 Flashcards
What is representational thought? How is it related to direct abstraction and construction?
Representational thought is imagination and memory. Representational thought is how we remember concepts and memories and also to be able to use our imagination
What is the relationship between beliefs, claims, and arguments?
Claims- declarative sentences (we make claims about the world and the way that it is)
Beliefs- cognitive representational opinions (beliefs about the universe and what’s in it)
When someone offers reasons in support of a claim, they are usually offering an argument for that claim
What is the difference between an inductive and a deductive argument?
Inductive arguments are meant to render the conclusion likely or probably. While deductive arguments are meant to render the conclusion sound and true with proof along with it.
What is a concept, and why are they so important? Identify and explain the two ways to acquire or develop concepts.
A concept is a unique set of defining characteristics which captures, picks out makes reference to, is instantiated by one or more referents or objects
2 ways to acquire concepts:
1) direct abstraction- existence (allows us to develop concepts based on experiences)
2) Construction- imagination (non-existence)
What is the difference between a truth of faith and a truth of reason for Aquinas? How are they similar?
the main difference lies in their sources and nature. Truths of faith come from divine revelation and often involve supernatural elements, while truths of reason are derived through human intellect and philosophical inquiry. However, both are seen by Aquinas as paths to understanding the truth. This is due to the natural order from truths of reason and divine truth coming from truths of faith both coming from God. So they should be seen as complimentary in finding the truth.
Are the truths of faith ever incompatible with the truths of reason, for Aquinas? Why or why not?
For Aquinas no they are not. He strongly believed that both truths came from God and therefore you need both divine faith and reason to seek knowledge in the truth.
What does the author of Ecclesiastes mean by the term “vanity”?
Vanity is pointlessness and meaningless, vanity cannot detect itself and it takes meaning to understand the meaningless
Kreeft claims that Ecclesiastes is the “question to which the rest of the Bible is the answer.” What is that question, and according to Kreeft, what is the initial answer that Ecclesiastes itself gives?
The question is “Does MY existence have any meaning at all?
The answer that Ecclesiastes gives us is if you approach life just by looking at the surface then it won’t reveal that you have any meaning. You have to become vain in order to avoid despair
The purpose of an argument is to provide reasons to believe something, namely, to offer proof for a claim. Why are we studying arguments in a class devoted to discussing the relationship between reason and faith?
Studying arguments can support and enhance the critical thinking that we need to discuss this complex relationship. It also teaches us to look at multiple perspectives and take in all the information given. It also teaches us to explore more diverse ideals.
God reveals certain truths to us that even human reason cannot investigate. Why is that?
Because he wants us to have a certain amount of faith in him along with truths of reason. blind trust and faith in him are necessary.
if life is indeed vanity, then what are our only options?
We either enter existential despair, or we ourselves become vain as well.
why do riches, pleasure, or power (or any of the external goods, for that matter) bring vanity?
- They all appear compatible with evil (which is a defect, and not a perfection).
- None are self-sufficient or done solely for their own sake. (we always want more)
- They cannot be obtained or kept merely by willing them. That is, they come to us more or less by exterior causes and luck.
Explain the five “toils under the sun”.
1) Philosophy-to fill your mind
2) Hedonism-to fill your body
3) Materialism-to fill your pocket
4) Ethics-to full your conscience
5) Religion-to fill your spirit
Identify Kreeft’s Obscene Syllogism. How does Kreeft object to this argument?
All toil is under the sun
And all under the sun is vanity
Therefore, all toil is vanity.
Kreeft objects to this because he says altruism is just toil and it cannot satisfy. Love thy neighbor is done for the sake of another end and do it to look just and moral- people are forcing them to do it. Conventional religion is empty. We can’t have a personal relationship with God. Spiritual but not religious- the rules, riches, don’t think that will bring anything important (church)
Given Kreeft’s objection to the Obscene Syllogism, what then is the deeper purpose of studying the book of Ecclesiastes?
To be happy we have to know what we value most and what we value the least which is the nature of value. We are constantly working on our happiness
