Philosophy Terms and Figures

Belief that all knowledge is derived from experience.

The belief that existence only acquires value and meaning through active reflection on one's own existence.

Belief that the so-called external world exists first and foremost in the perceiver's mind.

Belief that a concept is meaningful only if it can be empirically verified

Rebirth of Platonic thought in Europe from C.E. 250-1250. Incorporated the ideas of Aristotle, Pythagoras, and others into the teachings of Plato.

Belief that the world can be known through reason alone.

Belief put forth by john Locke that the human mind begins as a blank slate.

System of ethics based on maximizing the collective good.

Thirteenth-century Christian philosopher. Wrote " The Five Ways," which outlined five proofs for the existence of God.

Plato's student who criticized the theory of Forms and developed a systematized logic.

Fourth-and 5th-century bishop, philosopher, and neoplatonist.

Irish idealist philosopher who viewed mental representations and impressions as fundamental.

Important French rationalist philosopher and mathematician. Saw mind and body as distinct ( Cartesian dualism). He is also famous for the quote " I think, therefore I am."

German idealist philosopher known for his theory of dialectic: "The thesis combines with the antithesis to form the synthesis of the two." Also known for his teleological orientation.

German philosopher who had a major influence on existentialism.

British materialist philosopher who viewed human existence as "nasty, brutish, and short.'

Scottish empiricist philosopher. Questioned the necessity of connection between cause and effect.

German philosopher known as the father of phenomenology.

American empiricist philosopher and psychologist. Known for his description of the flow of ideas as a " stream of consciousness."

German idealist philosopher best known for the "categorical imperative," which states that a moral agent acts only in ways that could become universal laws.

Danish existentialist philosopher.

German rationalist philosopher and mathematician

English empiricist philosopher who put forth many of the basic ideas of empiricism, including tabula rasa. Important figures in the Age of Enlightenment.

English empiricist philosopher known for his ethical writings on Utilitarianism

German philosopher best known for his concept of Ubermensch( superman)

Fourteenth-century English philosopher who developed the notion of "parsimony." According to Occam's Razor, simpler explanations are preferable to more complex ones.

French philosopher, mathematician, and theologian best known for "Pascal's bargain," which argues for the belief int he existence of God.

Greek philosopher who studied under Socrates and developed a theory of Forms in which things in this world are mere reflections or shadows of objects of knowledge, which are universals. His writing form the basis of much of Western philosophy.

Pre-Socrates philosopher and mathematician

French Romantic philosopher and philosopher of educatin.

British philosopher and linguist

British philosopher of language and logical positivist

French existentialist philospher

Greek philosopher whose oral teachings were transcribed in part by his student, Plato

christian philosopher. Developed an ontological argument for the existence of God.

Austrian philosopher who began as a logical positivist and alter developed important ideas on the philosophy of language.