Skepticism, Relativism, and Socratic Methods
Skepticism derives from the Greek word ‘skepsis’ (inquiry, review, doubt). Skepticism posits that absolute knowledge is unattainable. Similar to relativism, it encourages questioning radical viewpoints, while also acknowledging the possibility of acquiring knowledge in certain areas. For instance, one might be skeptical about religious matters (agnostic) while still believing in the possibility of knowledge about the physical world, as is common among many scientists. Skepticism was an accepted
Read MoreUnderstanding Myth, Logos, and Knowledge Types
- Myth: Comes from the Greek word *mithos*, whose meaning is narrative. It fulfills both an explanatory function and an exemplary role. Myths involve imagination and beliefs. The narration of myths is vital, and it is intended, first, to appease or propitiate the gods’ superhuman action. In myths, the world seems chaotic; nature behaves randomly according to the will of the gods.
- Logos: Explains things through reason and critical thinking. Logos is the Reason that dominates the universe and makes
Renaissance Humanism and the Rise of Modernity
Renaissance Humanism
Between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, significant geographical discoveries and advancements in culture, science, and technology led to the emergence of a new mentality, breaking away from medieval theology.
Humanism
Humanism brought with it a defense of freedom of thought and expression. In philosophy, the Renaissance was characterized by a return to the major Greek systems, emphasizing exclusively rational reflection.
Technical and scientific developments fostered the
Read MoreData Structures, Logic, and Reasoning in AI
Trees
A tree is a hierarchical data structure consisting of:
- Nodes – store information
- Branches – connect the nodes
The top node is the root, occupying the highest hierarchy. The leaves are at the bottom, occupying the lowest.
Graphs
Graphs are sometimes called a network or net. A graph can have zero or more links between nodes – there is no distinction between parent and child. Sometimes links have weights – weighted graph; or, arrows – directed graph. Simple graphs have no loops – links
Read MoreUnderstanding Morality: Life, Ethics, and Values
The Moral Life and Thought
Experienced morality is what people and societies do daily. Ethics is the reflection on moral concerns that philosophers undertake. Morality is life, while ethics is moral philosophy.
What Does It Mean to Be Moral?
Morality is not a science, but a dimension of individuals and societies. This moral dimension involves action and purpose:
- Acquiring good manners.
- Forging a character from which to devise and plan one’s life.
- Being trained to respond appropriately to any challenge.
Socrates and Plato: Influences, Ideas, and Society
Socrates and Plato: Intellectual and Moral Foundations
Socrates / Plato: Apart from intellectual influences, Socrates is the model of a man who is just, good, and places morality above all circumstances. The Seventh Letter says that Socrates was, the fairest of men. Although Socrates was not the only philosopher that influenced Plato, he is the most important and the star of all dialogues except the last (The Laws). Before Plato was a pupil of Socrates, he was influenced by the sophist Cratylus,
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