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.

review-disable

review

flashcard-disable

flashcard

spelling-disable

spelling

quiz-disable

quiz

start-learning
Advanced Vocabulary for TOEFL
ethics [noun]

the branch of philosophy that studies moral values and principles

the branch of philosophy that studies the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge

Ex: Skepticism is a central topic in epistemology .
humanism [noun]

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

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

Ex: The concept of the soul is often explored within the realm of metaphysics .
ontology [noun]

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

Ex: Ontology seeks to uncover the ultimate nature of reality , addressing questions about the nature of existence , identity , and change .

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

hedonism [noun]

an ethical doctrine holding that the pursuit of pleasure is the highest good and proper aim of life

Ex: Critics argue that hedonism overlooks duty and self-discipline .
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

(in philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is derived from sensory experience rather than theory or intuition

Ex: The theory reflects empiricism in its insistence on evidence from experience .

a philosophical theory according to which the world has no meaning and humans are free and responsible for their actions

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

nihilism [noun]

the rejection or denial of all established authority, values, and institutions

Ex: Some philosophers critique nihilism for undermining moral frameworks .

a philosophical system based on things that can be proved by logic or experienced with the senses, rejecting metaphysics and theism

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: According to the principles of philosophical pragmatism , truth is not an abstract concept but is defined by its utility and effectiveness in achieving practical goals .

the belief or principle that ideas and actions should be based on logic instead of religion or emotion

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

the philosophical theory that certain knowledge is unattainable

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 .

a notion in philosophy according to which knowledge, moral values, and ethical obligations are subjective and there is no external or objective truth

Ex: Critics of subjectivism argue that it leads to moral relativism , where any action can be justified based on individual beliefs , undermining shared ethical norms .

the doctrine that the best measure or decision is the one that satisfies the majority of people

Ex: Critics of utilitarianism argue that it can lead to morally objectionable outcomes , such as sacrificing the rights or well-being of minorities for the greater good of the majority .

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

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

Ex: The protagonist 's journey in the novel reflects his alienation from society .
a priori [adjective]

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

a posteriori [adjective]

using observation or experience to determine the probable cause of something

being [noun]

the state of existing

Ex:

a person's awareness, viewpoint, or attitude regarding a specific issue or domain

Ex: The author 's historical consciousness shaped the novel .
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 political leader 's dogma was evident in every policy decision made by the administration .
logic [noun]

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

Ex: When faced with a difficult decision , she always relied on logic rather than letting her emotions take over .
virtue [noun]

a positive moral quality or admirable trait in a person

Ex: Hard work and perseverance are important virtues in life .

the branch of philosophy which deals with the nature of beauty and art

wisdom [noun]

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

Ex: Over the years , she gained a great deal of wisdom about how to handle difficult situations with grace .
sophist [noun]

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