I. Definition and Key Ideas “It’s a fallacy that eggs are bad for you”; you’ve probably heard the word fallacy used this way – to refer to false beliefs. Logical fallacies, or just “fallacies,” in philosophy, are not false beliefs; to oversimplify, they are logical errors in argumentation, reasoning, explanation, rhetoric, or debate. But their precise definition is elusive and controversial; we’l... »
I. Definition and Key Ideas Progressivism is just what its name suggests: the idea of progress. Specifically, it refers to social progress, the process of a society lifting itself out of ignorance, injustice, and inequality, toward a future that promises enlightenment, prosperity, equality, and (in modern versions of the idea) environmental sustainability. Progressivism is strongly associated with... »
I. Definition and Key Ideas Metaphysics is the most abstract branch of philosophy. It’s the branch that deals with the “first principles” of existence, seeking to define basic concepts like existence, being, causality, substance, time, and space. Within metaphysics, one of the main sub-branches is ontology, or the study of being. These two terms are so closely related that you can often hear peopl... »
I. Definition and Key Ideas Unlike the popular definition of materialism—caring only about material things—the philosophy of materialism is a claim about the nature of reality. Materialism is the belief that everything is made of matter and energy, with no “immaterial” entities like souls, spirits, or supernatural gods. In addition, materialists do not believe in “metaphysical transcendence,” or ... »
I. Definition and Key Ideas In popular usage, a “pragmatist” is someone who always thinks about the practical side of things and doesn’t worry about theory or ideology. In philosophy, the term has a significantly different meaning. In philosophy, pragmatism is a school of thought that starts from the insight that words are tools. Words don’t have inherent meanings attached to them from birth — rat... »
I. Definition and Key Ideas The word altruism literally means “other-ism”; and it is the philosophy of doing things purely for the benefit of others, without expecting to get anything out of it yourself. Example Donating your money or time to a charity or to help someone, without trying to get recognition for it. Philosophers and psychologist debate whether true altruism exists, and how it could b... »
I. Definition and Key Ideas Pluralism is a belief in difference – a philosophy supporting diversity, religious tolerance, and multiculturalism. Pluralism has always been controversial, as nearly all societies experience a tension between diversity and homogeneity, which can both give benefits and create problems for a society. Most of the time, when people talk about pluralism they’re talking abou... »
I. Definition and Key Ideas I will use the terms “ethical dilemma” and “moral dilemma” interchangeably, per popular usage. They overlap to a large degree; that is to say that most dilemmas discussed are both moral and ethical dilemmas at the same time; the difference will be discussed in section VI. Ethical or moral dilemmas are situations real or imagined where a person must choose between course... »
I. Definition and Key Ideas Teleology, from the Greek word telos, meaning “purpose” or “end,” is the study of goals, ends, purposes, and destinies–if they exist, but few philosophers believe they do. Humans and other organisms have purposes and goals that drive their behavior. Example Artifacts, like knives and televisions, seem to have purposes built into them—by humans. Goals and purpose... »
I. Definition Pathos is a literary and rhetorical device that causes pity and sadness in the audience. Stories with a high degree of pathos are often referred to as “tear-jerkers.” Pathos also occurs in debate, writing, or speechmaking; it is used to improve arguments. Instead of using rational arguments, pathos brings in emotions to gain people’s sympathy. II. Examples and Explanation Exam... »