amazon.co.ukPH1: Epistemology, Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics of Mind
Tripartite definition of knowledge (JTB), Gettier problems, Utilitarianism, Kantian deontology, Substance dualism vs Physicalism.
📋 Key Definitions and Core Concepts
Justified True Belief (JTB): The classical tripartite definition of propositional knowledge: S knows that p iff p is true, S believes that p, and S is justified in believing p.
Substance Dualism: Descartes' metaphysical thesis that mind and body are two distinct fundamental substances: thinking non-extended res cogitans and extended physical res extensa.
🔍 Key Principles & Specification Requirements
- Gettier counter-examples: show justified true beliefs can arise by epistemic luck (e.g. Smith and Jones coins in pocket), proving JTB is insufficient.
- Moral theories: Bentham Act Utilitarianism (hedonic calculus), Mill Rule Utilitarianism (higher/lower pleasures), Kant's categorical imperative, Aristotle's virtue ethics.
- Philosophy of Mind: Dualism (interaction problem), Behaviourism, Mind-Brain Identity Theory, Functionalism.
💡 Worked Example Question
Exam-Style Question
Question:
Explain how Edmund Gettier's counter-examples challenge the Tripartite Definition of Knowledge (JTB).
Model Solution & Mark Scheme:
Gettier constructed scenarios where an agent holds a belief that is both true and justified, yet the truth of the belief is connected to justification only by sheer coincidence/luck (e.g., Smith believes 'The man who will get the job has 10 coins in his pocket', justified regarding Jones, but Smith unexpectedly gets the job and coincidentally also has 10 coins). Because knowledge excludes epistemic luck, JTB is insufficient.
❓ Practice Questions & Mark Schemes
Q1: Explain the significance of Epistemology, Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics of Mind in A-Level examination contexts.
Show Model Answer
Answer: Demonstrate clear conceptual understanding of Epistemology, Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics of Mind, defining core terminology and citing relevant principles or case examples.
Q2: Evaluate key arguments or methodologies concerning Epistemology, Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics of Mind.
Show Model Answer
Answer: Contrast competing perspectives, discuss empirical evidence or theoretical limitations, and synthesize a balanced, well-reasoned conclusion.
🎬 Video Resources
- Epistemology, Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics of Mind - Overview -- YouTube Search
- Epistemology, Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics of Mind - Exam Questions -- YouTube Search
📄 Past Papers & Exam Resources
- AQA A-Level - Past Papers -- AQA
- Edexcel A-Level - Past Papers -- Edexcel
- OCR A-Level - Past Papers -- OCR
🔗 Further Reading & Resources
- Physics & Maths Tutor -- Free notes, worksheets, and past paper questions by topic
- Dr Frost Maths -- Free resources, slides, and interactive questions
- BBC Bitesize -- BBC Bitesize revision resources