Ancient Philosophical Influences
Key Terms:
Forms: A name Plato gave to ideal concepts
Reason: Using logical steps and though processes in
order to reach conclusions
Rationalist: Someone who thinks that the primary
source of knowledge is reason
Empiricist: Someone who thinks that the primary source
of knowledge is experience gained through the five
senses
Prime mover: Aristotle’s concept of the ultimate cause
of movement and change in the universe
Socratic method: The method of philosophical reasoning
which involves critical questioning
Analogy: A comparison between one thing and another
in an attempt to clarify meaning
Transcendent: Beyond this world and outside the realms
of ordinary experience
Dualism: The belief that reality can be divided into two
distinct parts, such as good and evil, or physical and
non-physical
Aetion: An explanatory factor, a reason or cause for
something
Telos: the end, or purpose of something
Theist: Someone who believes in a God or gods
Key Terms:
Forms: A name Plato gave to ideal concepts
Reason: Using logical steps and though processes in
order to reach conclusions
Rationalist: Someone who thinks that the primary
source of knowledge is reason
Empiricist: Someone who thinks that the primary source
of knowledge is experience gained through the five
senses
Prime mover: Aristotle’s concept of the ultimate cause
of movement and change in the universe
Socratic method: The method of philosophical reasoning
which involves critical questioning
Analogy: A comparison between one thing and another
in an attempt to clarify meaning
Transcendent: Beyond this world and outside the realms
of ordinary experience
Dualism: The belief that reality can be divided into two
distinct parts, such as good and evil, or physical and
non-physical
Aetion: An explanatory factor, a reason or cause for
something
Telos: the end, or purpose of something
Theist: Someone who believes in a God or gods
