Descartes’ Methodical Doubt: A Path to Truth
Descartes advocated for only accepting as true that which appears in the mind with clarity and distinction. His rules included:
- Evidence: Only accept simple, clear, and distinct natures as evidence. Complex problems consist of complex natures.
- Synthesis: Once simple natures are understood, they must be recomposed through synthesis.
- Enumeration: Review everything to ensure nothing is skipped.
Methodical Doubt: Finding a Foundation for Truth
The goal of methodical doubt is to find a safe and true foundation
Read MoreHypothetico-Deductive Method in Science
Approach to the Problem
Hypothetico-deductive departure: The said problem to be raised in a rigorous and precise manner, as much as possible. Contributing to this end are: observation, analysis, etc. The problems are not a naive or spontaneous observation, but necessarily arise from a prior theoretical framework.
Hypothesis Formulation
The proposed hypotheses, that is, a supposition, is adopted as a possible explanation or solution to the problem. This hypothesis shows how a universal statement should
Read MoreKey Concepts in Catholic Social Teaching
Equality
In theology, the dignity of each human in comparison to all other humans.
Personalistic Norm: Principle that maintains that a person is to be treated as a unique individual and never a means to another’s end. Subsidium: “give”
Abortifacient Drug
A chemical agent or drug that induces abortion, used to kill a child within.
Suction Aspiration
Abortion technique in which a surgical saw is inserted into the womb.
Salt Poisoning
Abortion technique in which the amniotic fluid is replaced with salt water
Read MoreAncient Greek Philosophy: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle
The Anthropological Period of Greek Philosophy
The anthropological period is named for the shift in focus of Greek thinkers to man and his problems. This marked a transition from cosmological inquiries. The Sophists and Socrates are key figures of this period.
Key Ideas and Philosophers
- Charicles: Democracy is not for the weak; when the strong man rules, the law is shattered.
- Gorgias: Disadvantage is desirable and depends on the individual.
- Pythagoras: Man is the measure of all things that are and
Plato’s Ideal State: Philosopher Kings & Society
Plato’s Ideal State: Philosopher Kings
Governing the State with Philosophers: Plato proposes a government ruled by philosophers as a remedy for the political ills of his time, offering it as an alternative to other forms of government. He affirms that the ills of humanity will only be remedied when government is in the hands of philosophers, or in the hands of men who, through philosophy, have attained wisdom and virtue. This political proposal is the result of applying Socratic moral intellectualism
Read MoreDavid Hume’s Emotivism and Kant’s Transcendental Idealism
1. David Hume: Emotivism and Morality
Emotivism and the Ethics of Hume
Hume emphasizes the role of emotions and feelings in human behavior. Against those who consider reason responsible for our decisions and actions, Hume argues that any action is upheld by emotion and feelings. While it is true, Hume says, that we reflect before making decisions, these arguments are motivated by emotions. Actions are motivated by the pleasure or pain they cause us because, according to him, we seek pleasure and reject
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