05 Philosophy DICTIONARY

1. Ethics

Ethics studies what is right and wrong in human behavior. It guides moral choices in real life situations.
Example: Deciding whether to report a colleague’s mistake.

2. Logic

Logic is the study of correct reasoning and valid arguments. It helps people evaluate ideas without bias.
Example: Checking if a conclusion actually follows from the facts.

3. Free Will

Free will is the idea that people can choose their actions independently. It connects to responsibility and accountability.
Example: Choosing to quit a job even when pressured to stay.

4. Determinism

Determinism claims that all events are caused by previous events, leaving no room for complete freedom. It influences debates around choice.
Example: Saying someone acted a certain way because of upbringing.

5. Existentialism

Existentialism focuses on individual purpose, freedom, and personal responsibility. It asks people to create meaning in their lives.
Example: Feeling lost in your career and seeking deeper purpose.

6. Dualism

Dualism says mind and body are separate. It raises questions about consciousness and identity.
Example: Believing your thoughts exist independently from your physical brain.

7. Empiricism

Empiricism teaches that knowledge comes mainly from experience and observation. It emphasizes data over assumptions.
Example: Trusting numbers from experiments instead of rumors.

8. Rationalism

Rationalism claims that reason is the primary source of knowledge. It holds that some truths can be understood by thinking alone.
Example: Understanding mathematics through pure logic.

9. Moral Relativism

Moral relativism says what is right depends on culture or context. It avoids judging others by a single standard.
Example: Different countries having different marriage customs.

10. Paradox

A paradox is a statement that contradicts itself yet seems true. It challenges typical ways of thinking.
Example: Saying less is more.

11. Nihilism

Nihilism argues that life has no inherent meaning or moral value. It questions widely accepted beliefs.
Example: Feeling that achievements do not matter in the bigger picture.

12. Humanism

Humanism values human welfare, dignity, and reason. It focuses on improving life through kindness and rational thinking.
Example: Supporting education because it helps society grow.

13. Pragmatism

Pragmatism judges ideas by their practical results. If something works, it is considered meaningful.
Example: Choosing a solution that solves the problem instead of debating theory.

14. Stoicism

Stoicism teaches emotional control, resilience, and accepting what you cannot change. It focuses on inner peace.
Example: Staying calm when plans go wrong.

15. Idealism

Idealism says reality is shaped by the mind or consciousness. It argues that thoughts influence what is real.
Example: Believing that imagination drives how people see the world.

16. Materialism

Materialism states that everything in existence is physical in nature. It claims mind and consciousness arise from matter.
Example: Viewing thoughts as chemical activity in the brain.

17. Deontology

Deontology judges actions based on rules rather than outcomes. It focuses on duties and principles.
Example: Telling the truth because it is a rule, not because of consequences.

18. Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism aims to create the greatest good for the greatest number. It evaluates actions by how much happiness they generate.
Example: Choosing a policy that benefits most citizens.

19. Metaphysics

Metaphysics studies the nature of reality, existence, and the universe. It asks fundamental questions about what is real.
Example: Wondering whether time is absolute or created by perception.

20. Epistemology

Epistemology explores the nature of knowledge and how we know what we know. It examines belief, truth, and evidence.
Example: Questioning how you know a news story is accurate.

21. Aesthetics

Aesthetics studies beauty, art, and taste. It explores why humans find some things pleasing.
Example: Enjoying a sunset and wondering what makes it beautiful.

22. Fatalism

Fatalism suggests that events are predetermined and unavoidable. It reduces the sense of control.
Example: Believing a breakup was destined to happen.

23. Thought Experiment

A thought experiment tests ideas without physical experiments. It uses imagination to explore possibilities.
Example: Imagining a world where robots have equal rights.

24. Social Contract Theory

This theory says societies form because people agree to follow rules for safety and order. Governments are based on this agreement.
Example: Obeying traffic rules because everyone benefits.

25. Mind Body Problem

This explores how consciousness interacts with the physical body. It raises questions about identity and awareness.
Example: Wondering how a feeling leads to a physical reaction like a smile.