Philosophy and Worldview Flashcards

What is epistemology?

Answer: The study of knowledge — its nature, sources, and limits

Epistemology examines what knowledge is, how it is acquired, and what we can know with certainty.

What is Plato's Allegory of the Cave?

Answer: A metaphor for human ignorance — prisoners see only shadows and mistake them for reality

Plato uses the cave allegory to illustrate how most people perceive only shadows of reality and must be educated to see truth.

What is the Socratic paradox "I know that I know nothing"?

Answer: Recognition that true wisdom begins with acknowledging the limits of one's knowledge

Socrates argued that recognizing one's ignorance is the beginning of wisdom, contrasting with those who falsely believe they know everything.

What is natural theology?

Answer: The attempt to understand God through reason and observation of the natural world, without special revelation

Natural theology uses philosophical reasoning and observation of nature to develop understanding of God, as opposed to relying solely on scripture or revelation.

What is the cosmological argument for God's existence?

Answer: Everything that begins to exist has a cause; the universe began to exist; therefore the universe has a cause

The cosmological argument reasons from the existence of the universe to a necessary first cause, arguing that an infinite regress of causes is impossible.

What is the relationship between faith and reason in classical thought?

Answer: Classical thinkers like Aquinas argued that faith and reason are complementary, not contradictory

Classical Christian thinkers like Thomas Aquinas held that faith and reason both lead to truth and work together, with reason supporting what faith reveals.