Six New Words

Metaphysic
Definition of METAPHYSIC

a : METAPHYSICS: a (1) : a division of philosophy that is concerned with the

fundamental nature of reality and being and that includes ontology, cosmology, and often
epistemology (2) : ONTOLOGY2
b : abstract philosophical studies : a study of what is outside objective
experience
b : a particular system of metaphysics
: the system of principles underlying a particular study or
subject : PHILOSOPHY 3b

Ontology
Definition of ONTOLOGY

1
: a branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature and relations of being
2
: a particular theory about the nature of being or the kinds of things that have existence

Elucidated
: to make (something that is hard to understand) clear or easy to understand

Pascalian
Pascalian of or relating to the French mathematician, physicist, and religious philosopher
Blaise Pascal (162362), who before the age of 20 had proved a geometric theorem and
constructed the first mechanical calculator to be offered for sale. He founded the theory of
probabilities and developed a forerunner of integral calculus, but is best known for deriving
the principle that the pressure of a fluid at rest is transmitted equally in all directions.
Pascal's triangle a triangular array of numbers in which those at the ends of the rows are 1
and each of the others is the sum of the nearest two numbers in the row above (the apex, 1,
being at the top).
Pascal's wager the argument that it is in one's own best interest to behave as if God exists,
since the possibility of eternal punishment in hell outweighs any advantage in believing
otherwise.

A priori

The terms a priori ("from the earlier") and a posteriori ("from the later") are used
in philosophy (epistemology) to distinguish two types of knowledge, justification, or argument:

A priori knowledge or justification is independent of experience (for example "All

bachelors are unmarried"). Galen Strawson has stated that an a priori argument is one in
which "you can see that it is true just lying on your couch. You don't have to get up off your
couch and go outside and examine the way things are in the physical world. You don't have
to do any science."[1]

A posteriori knowledge or justification is dependent on experience or empirical

evidence (for example "Some bachelors I have met are very happy").

There are many points of view on these two types of knowledge, and their relationship is one of
the oldest problems in modern philosophy.
The terms a priori and a posteriori are primarily used as adjectives to modify
the noun "knowledge" (for example, "a priori knowledge"). However, "a priori" is sometimes used
to modify other nouns, such as "truth". Philosophers also may use "apriority" and "aprioricity" as
nouns to refer (approximately) to the quality of being "a priori".[2][not in citation given]
Although definitions and use of the terms have varied in the history of philosophy, they have
consistently labelled two separate epistemological notions.

Rancors
Bitter, long-lasting resentment; deep-seated ill will. See Synonyms at enmity.

Nihilism

1. Philosophy
a. An extreme form of skepticism that denies all existence.
b. A doctrine holding that all values are baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated.
2. Rejection of all distinctions in moral or religious value and a willingness to repudiate all previous the
ories of morality or religious belief.
3. The belief that destruction of existing political or social institutions is necessary for future improvem
ent.
4. also Nihilism A diffuse, revolutionary movement of mid 19th-century Russia that scorned authority
and tradition and believed in reason, materialism, and radical change in society and government throu
gh terrorism andassassination.
5. Psychiatry A delusion, experienced in some mental disorders, that the world or one's mind, body, or
self does not exist.