Epistemology - Review Flashcard

Front

The philosophy that states all knowledge must ultimately come from experience

Back

Empiricism

Answer explanation

Empiricism is the philosophy that asserts all knowledge originates from sensory experience, contrasting with rationalism, which emphasizes reason. Therefore, the correct answer is empiricism.

Front

The philosophy that states that knowledge comes from reason, or thinking, and that people must have some degree of innate ideas

Back

Rationalism

Answer explanation

Rationalism is the philosophy that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge, asserting that some ideas are innate. This distinguishes it from empiricism, which relies on sensory experience.

Front

"People are fundamentally blank when they're born, and learn as they grow" reflects which philosophy?

Back

Empiricism

Answer explanation

The statement reflects empiricism, which posits that individuals are born as blank slates and acquire knowledge through experience and learning as they grow, contrasting with rationalism that emphasizes innate ideas.

Front

Which philosophy reflects the claim that everyone has the capacity to learn?

Back

Rationalism

Answer explanation

Claiming that everyone has the capacity to learn aligns with Rationalism, which emphasizes reason and innate knowledge as the basis for understanding, suggesting that learning is a fundamental human capability.

Front

What philosophy is reflected by the idea that a mathematician does not need to do experiments to gain knowledge, but just requires extensive thought?

Back

Rationalism

Answer explanation

The statement reflects Rationalism, which emphasizes knowledge gained through reason and thought rather than empirical evidence or experiments, aligning with the mathematician's approach.

Front

A biologist goes into the woods to research wolves. She observes them, records their behaviors, and uses this information to draw broad conclusions.

Back

Empiricism

Answer explanation

The biologist's approach of observing and recording behaviors to draw conclusions exemplifies empiricism, which emphasizes knowledge gained through sensory experience and observation.

Front

Would a rationalist philosopher agree that people learn to think by having varied experiences?

Back

No way

Answer explanation

A rationalist philosopher emphasizes reason and innate ideas over experience. They would argue that thinking is developed through rational thought rather than varied experiences, hence 'No way' is the correct choice.

Front

Which philosophy most closely aligns with deductive reasoning? Options: Logicalism, Imperialism, Rationalism, Empiricism

Back

Rationalism

Answer explanation

Rationalism emphasizes the role of reason and logic in gaining knowledge, making it closely aligned with deductive reasoning, which derives specific conclusions from general principles. This distinguishes it from empiricism and other philosophies.

Front

Which philosophy reflects the belief that a man cannot truly understand what it feels like to be pregnant?

Back

Empiricism

Answer explanation

The claim reflects empiricism, which emphasizes knowledge through experience. Since pregnancy is a unique experience, a man cannot fully understand it without having experienced it himself.