Philosophy & Thinking Vocabulary

the theory of knowledge, especially regarding methods and validity

“Epistemology asks how we can know what we know.”

the branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of being

“Ontology examines what it means for something to exist.”

the branch of philosophy dealing with first principles and the nature of reality

“Metaphysics explores questions about existence and reality.”

the art of investigating truths through discussion and logical argument

“Through dialectic, they arrived at a deeper understanding.”

a method enabling discovery or problem-solving through practical experience

“Trial and error is a basic heuristic for learning.”

the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history

“The art captured the zeitgeist of the revolutionary era.”

a particular philosophy or view of life; a worldview

“Her weltanschauung was shaped by her upbringing.”

relating to knowledge that is independent of experience

“Mathematical truths are considered a priori knowledge.”

relating to knowledge derived from observation or experience

“Scientific knowledge is largely a posteriori.”

a statement that is true by necessity; needless repetition of an idea

“Saying 'free gift' is a tautology since gifts are always free.”

a seemingly absurd statement that may actually be true

“The paradox of choice suggests more options can lead to less satisfaction.”

a division into two mutually exclusive or contradictory groups

“The dichotomy between work and life is a false one.”

a person or thing that is the direct opposite of something

“Her views were the antithesis of his conservative beliefs.”

the combination of ideas to form a coherent whole

“His philosophy was a synthesis of Eastern and Western thought.”

the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve

“Teleology asks what purpose evolution serves.”

the doctrine that all events are determined by prior causes

“Hard determinism denies the existence of free will.”

the view that only one's own mind is sure to exist

“Solipsism is difficult to refute but hard to accept.”

a philosophy emphasizing individual existence and freedom of choice

“Existentialism holds that we create our own meaning in life.”

the doctrine that actions are right if they benefit the majority

“Utilitarianism weighs the greatest good for the greatest number.”

the doctrine that knowledge and truth exist only in relation to culture or society

“Moral relativism suggests ethics vary by culture.”

a belief or theory that opinions and actions should be based on reason and knowledge

“Rationalism emphasizes the role of reason in acquiring knowledge.”

the practice of forming or pursuing ideals, especially unrealistically

“Her youthful idealism clashed with the harsh realities of politics.”