Key Philosophical Concepts: Definitions and Origins
Habit
From the Latin habitus. Generally, the term “habit” refers to a predisposition to act a certain way, acquired through repeated exercise. According to Aristotelian ethics, virtues and vices are habits, each corresponding to two vices: one by excess and another by default. Although a habit is acquired by repeating a behavior, it eventually becomes a permanent possession of the individual. Thus, it is regulated by immediate behavior.
Hedonism
From the Greek hedonic (pleasure). This moral theory identifies the good with pleasure. It is usually associated with the position advocated by Epicurus of Samos and his school. The identification of good and pleasure was previously defended by Aristippus of Cyrene, a disciple of Socrates and founder of the school of Cyrene. However, the term “hedonism” often refers to the moral theory of Epicurus. According to this theory, happiness is obtained by achieving stable pleasures. Since all pleasure is good by nature, the pursuit of happiness requires a rational calculation about which pleasures are actually desirable.
Hermeneutics
From the Greek Hermeneia (translation, interpretation). The term “hermeneutics” was traditionally used mainly in the context of biblical exegesis. Today, it is more often used to refer to the philosophical method proposed in the field of human sciences. This method involves understanding human actions within their historical and social context. Outside of this context, they lose their meaning. At the same time, this model suggests the difficulty of this task by demonstrating the heterogeneity between the meaning (colored by beliefs, traditions, prejudices, values, etc.) that the “same” event can have for the investigator and for the period investigated.
Heteronomy
From the Greek heteronomous (dependent on another). This term has a preferred use in the field of ethics. It designates the empirical or external source of moral norms or rules regulating the subject’s action. Thus, an individual’s behavior is not governed by their own conscience but by something foreign to it. This forgoes a moral action that determines itself. Kant used the term in opposition to autonomy.
Heuristics
From the Greek heurÃsko (find, invent). This term refers to the method or procedure used in the investigation or discovery of something.
Hylomorphism
A compound term from the Greek words hyle (matter, etymologically, forest, wood, building materials) and morph (form). It designates the Aristotelian doctrine of substance, according to which substance is composed of matter and form. These constitute an indissoluble unity (both compounds, material and form, cannot be separated, unless mentally). According to this doctrine, neither matter nor form can have independent or separate existence.
Hylozoism
A compound term from the Greek words hyle (matter, etymologically, forest, wood, building materials) and Zoe (life). It designates the doctrine that matter is endowed with life, the capacity to act spontaneously. Thus, it is not necessary to resort to any vital principle extrinsic to matter to explain the phenomenon of life.
Hypothesis and Hypothetical
A hypothesis is a provisional assumption used to explain a fact in the case of empirical sciences or to justify a mathematical or logical proposition in the case of formal sciences. Hypothetical refers to something that is subject to a condition.
Historicism
A school of thought that emerged in Germany in the late 19th century, driven by the work of W. Dilthey. Following his distinction between natural sciences and human sciences, based on the ontological distinction between the natural and historical world, Dilthey considered the historical world the result of the unique and unrepeatable action of human beings. The facts resulting from such action are bound to the context in which they occur and to the relationship between past and present. These are the only elements that can enable understanding.
Holism
From the Greek holos (whole, complete). Holism is a methodological and epistemological position. According to this position, an organism must be studied not as the sum of its parts but as an organized whole. Thus, it is from the “whole” that one can distinguish and understand its “parts” and not vice versa.
Homeomerias
From the Greek homoioméreiai (like particles). Aristotle tells us that for Anaxagoras of Clazomenae, reality was composed of innumerable (infinitely small) particles. Anaxagoras called these homeomerias Spermato (seeds). They are distinguished from each other qualitatively, having particles of all things: blood, timber, gold, etc.