Hume’s Empiricism: Causation, Knowledge, and Metaphysics
Hume’s Foundational Distinction
To understand David Hume’s significant critique of causation, one must first grasp his distinction between two types of propositions: relations of ideas and matters of fact.
Relations of Ideas
Relations of ideas are propositions independent of factual existence, concerning logic and mathematics. These propositions are analytically true (necessary), meaning their truth is derived from the concepts themselves, and their denial results in a contradiction. They are discoverable
Read MoreReasoning Methods and Common Errors
Types of Reasoning
Deductive Reasoning
Deduction and induction. If we start from an accepted and reliable premise and infer partial conclusions, we use deductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning is useful because, if well-constructed, the conclusions are true. A good argument follows from reliable premises. Deductive reasoning does not question if it is true or false, but whether it is correct or incorrect; that is, if the conclusion follows from the premises without doubt.
Inductive Reasoning
Induction,
Read MoreEconomic Philosophies of the Industrial Revolution
Key Economic Concepts and Thinkers
- Laissez-faire
- Refers to the economic policy of letting owners of industry and business set working conditions without interference.
- Adam Smith
- A professor at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, who defended the idea of a free economy, or free market.
- Capitalism
- An economic system in which money is invested in business ventures with the goal of making a profit.
- Utilitarianism
- The theory proposed by Jeremy Bentham in the late 1700s, stating that government actions are useful
Company Directors: Appointment, Powers, Duties & Qualifications
Introduction
Definition of a Director
Understanding Social Responsibilities and Values
Understanding Social Behavior
Types of Responsibilities
- Promise of Speech: When one undertakes to do or say anything, they are responsible for fulfilling that promise.
- Contractual Promises: Signing a contract makes us responsible for the agreement.
- Assignments: When we assign responsibility to another, not only are they responsible, but we are also responsible for having assigned it.
- Occupations: When we are responsible for a job, we are also responsible for its outcome, whether good or bad.
- Citizen Rights:
Philosophy: Core Distinctions and Historical Periods
Philosophy vs. Religion
Philosophy differs significantly from religion primarily because philosophy does not rely on revealed knowledge. Philosophical knowledge is acquired through rational reflection on human experience and history, using reason as its primary tool. We understand concepts in philosophy because we can reason about them. In contrast, religion often involves knowledge based on faith rather than reason; one accepts certain truths based on trust in a revealed source, even if they are
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