Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Philosophy and ethics

Karl Popper's Falsificationism

The principal topic of this text from The Logic of Scientific Discovery is the vision that Popper has on science, according to his falsificationism method. First, the author argues that science is not certain knowledge and that it is not possible to reach the truth. Instead, we can only elaborate simple conjectures. He affirms that these scientific conjectures must be subjected to rigorous and systematic tests, not to verify them but to demonstrate that the conjectures are false. To conclude, Popper says that the purpose of science is not to reach absolute truth but to provide increasingly deep answers to new problems and to submit them to progressively more complex refutations.

The Doctrine of the Point of View

This

Understanding the Core Characteristics of Academic Writing

Academic writing in English is linear, clear, simple, and direct. It has a clear audience and a clear purpose, and it is also clearly structured. Academic English must be learned through observation, study, and experiment, because no one speaks or writes it as a first language.

There are five main features of academic writing:

1. Complexity

Written language is generally more complex than spoken language. It uses more subordinate clauses, more "that/to" complements, longer sequences of prepositional phrases, more attributive adjectives, and more passive voice constructions than spoken language.

While written texts can be more concise, they often employ longer words or phrases.

Examples of... Continue reading "Essential Features of Effective Academic Writing" »

Descartes' Analysis of Ideas

In this text, Descartes presents his analysis of ideas. First, Descartes states that our ideas, considered as immanent content (internal content) of our mind, cannot be considered false. Then, after recognizing that we can only be wrong when we make judgments, he says that it is a very common mistake to assume that our ideas refer to external entities; otherwise, we would never be wrong. Finally, Descartes concludes by explaining his distinction between the three types of ideas: innate, fictitious, and adventitious.

Locke's Critique of Cartesian Innatism

In this text, John Locke presents his critique of Cartesian innatism. First, Locke states that the goal of this text is to refute the widespread belief in the existence... Continue reading "Philosophical Concepts: Ideas, Experience, Ethics, Reason" »

Elenchus (Socratic Method):

a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to draw out ideas and underlying presuppositions.

Philosophy:

An attitude of critical thoughtfulness concerning highly fundamental and general beliefs

Deductive Argument:

Attempts to show that a conclusion necessarily follows the premises

Validity vs. Soundness:

Validity is a deductive argument which the conclusion cannot be false if the premises are true, whereas soundness combines both validity and true premises

Inductive Argument:

Attempts to provide reasons for the truth of the conclusion, the conclusion states more than what is contained in the premises, universal conclusion.

Glaucon’s

Cultural Relativism: A Critique

One can only be judged by the standards and morals of their culture because morality is determined by each culture. You can't judge any culture outside of your own because you don’t understand why they believe what they believe. However, if enough people are part of that culture and believe that what they are doing is good, then there must be some truth in that.

If cultural relativism was universally supported and believed to be true, then there shouldn’t be any international governing bodies such as the United Nations or the European Parliament. This is because, under cultural relativism, you should be accepting that each culture has its own opinion on what is good and bad, and from an outside perspective,... Continue reading "Cultural Relativism vs. Universal Morality: Exploring Ethical Frameworks" »

It is claimed that money is the only thing that motivates entrepreneurs

I can clearly say that entrepreneurs have different types of motivations. Some of them are related to the desire to earn money and others with the illusion of turning your dream into reality.

At present, the development of new companies has become very fashionable. With this, many entrepreneurs dream of becoming the next millionaire genius like Mark Zuckerberg. They also dream of traveling by private jet, partying in Las Vegas and having a Ferrari.

Although money is a great motivator and is very necessary to boost entrepreneurs, recent research concludes that people who only seek to earn money have a personality more prone to individualism, lack of willingness to work in teams... Continue reading "Motivations of Entrepreneurs: Beyond Money" »

Analyze: To study something in detail 

Branches of Philosophy: Knowledge and Science

Gnoseology (Theory of Knowledge)

Gnoseology (also known as Gnosiology) or the Theory of Knowledge defines, from a philosophical perspective, what we mean by "knowing." It aims to clarify the origin, nature, and limits of human knowledge.

Epistemology (Theory of Science)

Epistemology is the Theory of Science or Philosophy of Science, mainly due to the modern identification between knowledge and science.

Historical Context of Knowledge Theory

The Theory of Knowledge deals with issues regarding the reliability of reason or senses to provide true knowledge. This discussion can already be found among the main philosophers in Greece, like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and also in the Modern Age, among philosophers... Continue reading "The Core Branches of Philosophy: Definitions and Key Concepts" »

Essential Literary Vocabulary and Definitions Glossary

This comprehensive glossary provides key terms, synonyms, and definitions, structured alphabetically, to enhance comprehension of complex texts and literary works.

A-Z Vocabulary List

Advice

Suggestion, recommendation.

Alone

By yourself, on your own.

Apothecary

Chemist, pharmacist.

To Approach

To come nearer.

To Argue

To disagree, to quarrel.

To Banish

To exile, to deport.

To Be Involved

To be part of.

Blind

Sightless.

Brave

Courageous.

Cell

A small room where a friar lives.

To Challenge

To dare (desafiar).

To Continue

To go on, to keep on.

Crows

Raven (corb/cuervo).

Dagger

A small sword.

Darkness

Obscurity.

Desperate

Hopeless.

Dove

The bird that represents love and peace.

To Drop

To let fall.

To Enter

To come into.

Fields

Cultivated