How important is it to philosophy participants to learn &use the defined concepts, the names &meaning of terms

in the subject or discipline of philosophy?

How important is it to philosophy participants to learn %26amp;use the defined concepts, the names %26amp;meaning of terms
As I read many of the questions in this section it appears to me that concepts and terminology in the discipline is pretty much ignored for a large portion of participants.


Many of these questions obviously belong in other categories.


This a step below Phil 101 .
Reply:For purposes of clarity it may be helpful to make reference to the proper terminologies and concepts set up by those from the past who gave us such things. But someone had to be the first to coin those phrases and such. A valid point is no less valid simply because of a lack of use of 'proper' terms. I believe it is important not to get too highly married to such terms because clinging to them with that kind of tenacity may preclude the introduction of new or modfied ideas.
Reply:It is not important at this time but whatever it is you are talking about, I would like to hear about it.
Reply:I think learning concepts that are just synonyms for other words we already use is drudgery, but it gives philosophers a common language to communicate.





However, there are phrases or words that aren't easily replaced without a lengthy explanation, and those are important to understand. For example a tautology is an argument that relies upon itself being true to be true. For example, if I say God exists because the bible says so (and the bible comes from God), that's tautological reasoning. If you can counter my argument by saying that's a tautology it will improve the quality of our communication.





Also, the fact that more people can use a word to commit an idea to memory raises the quality of public discourse. An ad hominem attack is one that focuses on who's making the argument rather than the strength of the argument. If your reaction to my statement about God was, "well, I disagree because you're an idiot", that would be an ad hominem attack.





The fact that most Americans don't know what "ad hominem" means and we have a political discourse that focuses mostly on image may be related.





So, learning the names of some of the concepts is helpful
Reply:Not important at all unless you are "old school"......Philosophy in the true sense means using logic to come to a conclusion. Whether one uses defined concepts the names and accepted meanings or terms or has their own conclusions, concepts and terms for such is a matter of perception.