Vocabulary for IELTS Academic (Band 6-7) - Philosophy

Here, you will learn some English words related to Philosophy that are necessary for the Academic IELTS exam.

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empiricism

[noun]

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 .

relativism

[noun]

the philosophical position that views truth, morality, or knowledge as dependent on individual perspectives, cultural contexts, or historical circumstances, and rejects absolute or universal standards

Ex: Historicism , a form of relativism, emphasizes that historical events and ideas must be understood within the context of their time .

existentialism

[noun]

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

causality

[noun]

the relationship between a cause and its effect

Ex: The experiment was designed to test the causality of environmental factors on plant growth .

materialism

[noun]

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

skepticism

[noun]

the philosophical theory that certain knowledge is unattainable

cynicism

[noun]

a doubtful view toward others' honesty or intentions

Ex: While some view cynicism as a protective mechanism against disappointment and deceit , others argue that it can foster negativity and inhibit genuine connection and cooperation .

ethics

[noun]

the branch of philosophy that studies moral values and principles

virtue

[noun]

a positive moral quality or admirable trait in a person

Ex: Many cultures teach that humility is a key virtue.

dialectic

[noun]

a method of uncovering the truth about something by comparing contradicting ideas and considering different theories

Ex: The dialectic process involves thesis , antithesis , and synthesis , where conflicting ideas are confronted and reconciled to arrive at a higher truth .

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

rationalism

[noun]

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

humanism

[noun]

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

logic

[noun]

a field of study that deals with the ways of thinking, explaining, and reasoning

Ex: Some debate topics require a strong foundation in logic to ensure the arguments presented are coherent and valid .

dualism

[noun]

the belief that reality consists of two fundamental and opposing components, such as mind and body or good and evil

Ex: Gender dualism explores the binary classification of gender roles and identities into male and female categories .

aesthetics

[noun]

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

mechanism

[noun]

a philosophical perspective that views natural phenomena, including living organisms and their behavior, as analogous to machines operating based on deterministic physical and chemical processes, without the need for supernatural or non-physical explanations

Ex: Mechanism is contrasted with vitalism , which posits the existence of a vital force or essence beyond physical and chemical processes .

Vocabulary for IELTS Academic (Band 6-7)

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Vocabulary for IELTS Academic (Band 6-7) - Philosophy