Philosophical References Vocabulary

feigning ignorance to expose others' lack of knowledge

“His 'I don't understand, explain it to me' was pure Socratic irony.”

a perfect abstract form of which reality is an imperfect copy

“He pursued the Platonic ideal of justice, never finding it in practice.”

systematic skepticism to find certain knowledge

“Apply Cartesian doubt: what can you know for certain?”

the simplest explanation is usually correct

“Occam's razor suggests the most straightforward interpretation.”

act only according to rules you could will as universal law

“Kant's categorical imperative: would you want everyone to do this?”

the drive to assert and enhance oneself

“His ambition was pure will to power.”

accepting something beyond rational proof

“Joining the startup required a leap of faith.”

thesis, antithesis, synthesis—ideas evolving through opposition

“Their debate followed a Hegelian dialectic, producing a new synthesis.”

meaning depends on context and use, not abstract definitions

“Different disciplines play different language games.”

designing rules without knowing your place in society

“Behind a veil of ignorance, would you choose this policy?”