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Advanced Vocabulary for TOEFL - I Think, Therefore I Am!

Here you will learn some English words about thinking, such as "ethics", "nihilism", "being", etc. that are needed for the TOEFL exam.

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Advanced Words Needed for TOEFL
ethics
[noun]

the branch of philosophy that studies moral values and principles

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the branch of philosophy in which knowledge is studied

Ex: Her paper on education reform addressed not just policies but underlying issues in the philosophy of knowledge and epistemology.
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humanism
[noun]

a system of thought based on human values and nature in which solving human problems is considered more important than religious beliefs

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a branch of philosophy that deals with abstract concepts such as existence or reality

Ex: Many ancient philosophers , such as Plato and Aristotle , made significant contributions to the field of metaphysics.
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ontology
[noun]

the branch of philosophy that is concerned with concepts such as existence, being, and reality

Ex: In contemporary philosophy , ontology intersects with other disciplines such as logic , metaphysics , and epistemology , shaping our understanding of the fundamental structure of reality .
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the theory or doctrine that all events and occurrences are completely determined by previously existing causes, therefore human beings cannot be punished or held accountable for their deeds

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hedonism
[noun]

a system of belief that the highest of good is when one is in the pursuit of pleasure

Ex: Critics of hedonism argue that an excessive focus on pleasure can lead to selfishness and a neglect of responsibilities and long-term goals .
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idealism
[noun]

(philosophy) the belief that the physical world is either a product of the mind, or is entirely subjective and exists only in the mind

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a theory stating that all knowledge is derived from experience

Ex: Critics of empiricism argue that it may overlook the importance of a priori knowledge and the inherent structures of the mind that influence how we perceive and interpret experiences .
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a philosophical theory according to which the world has no meaning and humans are free and responsible for their actions

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the philosophical belief that the spiritual world does not exist and the only thing that exists is physical matter

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nihilism
[noun]

a system of thought that considers life as meaningless and rejects religious beliefs, moral principles, legal rules, etc.

Ex: While nihilism is often associated with despair and pessimism , some philosophers view it as a liberating philosophy that frees individuals from the constraints of conventional morality and ideology .
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a philosophical system based on things that can be proved by logic or experienced with the senses, rejecting metaphysics and theism

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a philosophical movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing the practical consequences and real-world effectiveness of beliefs, theories, and actions

Ex: The debates among philosophers regarding the merits of idealism versus pragmatism have deep roots in the history of philosophical thought .
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the belief or principle that ideas and actions should be based on logic instead of religion or emotion

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a system of philosophy based on religious scripts and principles and Aristotelian logic, taught in medieval European universities

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the philosophical theory that certain knowledge is unattainable

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stoicism
[noun]

an ancient Greek philosophy that values virtue and encourages living in harmony with nature's divine Reason

Ex: By learning to distinguish between what is and is n't within our control , stoicism provides tools for inner peace .
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a notion in philosophy according to which knowledge, moral values, and ethical obligations are subjective and there is no external or objective truth

Ex: The debate between objectivism and subjectivism in philosophy revolves around whether moral and epistemological claims can be grounded in objective reality or are inherently subjective .
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the doctrine that the best measure or decision is the one that satisfies the majority of people

Ex: Utilitarianism is often applied in fields such as public policy , economics , and ethics , where decisions are made with the aim of maximizing social welfare or utility .
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the branch of philosophy concerned with things that exist and can be seen, felt, etc. as opposed to what may actually be their real existence

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‌the feeling that one is different from others and therefore not part of a particular group

Ex: As new policies were introduced , employees felt increasing alienation from management .
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a priori
[Adjective]

using the previous knowledge, reasoning, or general facts to decide the likely result of something

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a posteriori
[Adjective]

using observation or experience to determine the probable cause of something

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being
[noun]

the state of existing

Ex: The artist's work reflects a deep exploration of human being and the complexities of life.
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non-existence; a state in which nothing exists

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the state of being sensible and aware

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dogma
[noun]

a belief or a belief system held by an authority who proclaims it to be undeniably true and expects immediate acceptance

Ex: The cult 's dogma required followers to adhere to a set of rigid and unquestionable rules .
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logic
[noun]

sensible methods of thinking and decision making, especially ones that are based on reasonable judgment

Ex: Parents often advise their children to approach problems with logic, setting emotions aside for clearer judgment .
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virtue
[noun]

a positive moral quality or admirable trait in a person

Ex: Many cultures teach that humility is a key virtue.
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the branch of philosophy which deals with the nature of beauty and art

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wisdom
[noun]

the quality of being knowledgeable, experienced, and able to make good decisions and judgments

Ex: Many cultures value wisdom as a key virtue , believing that experience and knowledge lead to better choices in life .
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sophist
[noun]

a teacher of philosophy and rhetoric in ancient Greek with a skeptical attitude

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Advanced Vocabulary for TOEFL
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