week 3 Flashcards
What distinguishes human intellectual knowledge from the capabilities of higher animals?
Human intellectual knowledge enables abstract thought, allowing the use of grammatically structured languages, participation in cultural activities with shared goals, and grouping objects based on functional roles. These capabilities are absent in higher animals.
How does human reasoning differ from computer computation?
Human reasoning involves acts of insight, understanding abstract and universal concepts, and grasping non-material realities. In contrast, computers, including AI, only compute based on statistical probabilities and do not truly understand.
What types of realities can human beings conceptualize beyond sensory perception?
Humans can conceive non-material realities, non-existent beings, abstract ideas, universal concepts, and even negative concepts.
Is it possible for humans to know the truth completely? Why or why not?
Humans can attain true knowledge but cannot know everything. This is because our understanding is limited, we are prone to mistakes, and we cannot fully know anything in its entirety.
What are the levels of certainty regarding human knowledge?
Human knowledge spans several levels of certainty, including:
Obvious truths (100% certain)
Knowledge beyond reasonable doubt
Balance of probabilities
Unknown truths
Unknowable realities
Why is the argument for total skepticism considered self-defeating?
Total skepticism is self-defeating because the act of doubting everything requires a foundational belief in the ability to doubt, contradicting the notion that nothing can be known.
How do emotions differ from the will in human beings?
Emotions are tied to the sensible appetite, follow sensible cognition, can be triggered automatically, and can be satiated. The will, on the other hand, is an intellectual appetite, follows intellectual cognition, is never fully satiated, and allows for controlled choices.
What practical implications arise from the distinction between emotions and the will?
The distinction highlights that human actions are often driven by reasons rather than automatic emotional responses. Providing meaningful reasons can inspire higher commitment and productivity than emotional manipulation.
Why are techniques of manipulation unreliable when dealing with humans?
Techniques of manipulation are unreliable because humans are inherently creative and do not automatically conform to group norms. They act based on reason and personal commitment rather than blind emotional motivation.
How does intellectual motivation affect human productivity and societal participation?
Intellectual motivation enables humans to understand the purpose (“seeing the point”) of actions, making them capable of high levels of creativity and productivity. This rationale-driven behavior fosters meaningful contributions to society.
