📚 CIE IGCSE Philosophy Vocabulary Quick-Memorisation Guide | CIE IGCSE 哲学词汇速记指南
Mastering philosophical vocabulary is like learning a new language, but once you break down the terms into their roots and connect them with memorable ideas, the entire subject becomes far more approachable. This guide covers the most frequently examined terms in the CIE IGCSE Philosophy syllabus, organised by topic domain, and provides quick-memorisation hooks, etymological clues, and paired English–Chinese explanations to help you retain them efficiently.
掌握哲学词汇就像学习一门新语言，但一旦你将术语分解为词根并与易记的概念联系起来，整个学科就会变得容易得多。本指南涵盖了 CIE IGCSE 哲学大纲中最常考的术语，按主题领域整理，并提供速记线索、词源提示以及英中对照解释，帮助你高效记忆。
1. Core Concepts & Branches of Philosophy | 核心概念与哲学分支
Philosophy – from Greek philo- (love) and sophia (wisdom). Think of a philosopher as someone who passionately pursues deep understanding, not just factual knowledge. The quick way to remember this is to visualise a scholar chasing an owl (the symbol of wisdom) up a hill.
哲学（Philosophy）——源自希腊语 philo-（爱）和 sophia（智慧）。将哲学家想象成一个热情追求深层理解的人，而不仅仅是事实知识。快速记忆的方法是：想象一位学者追逐一只猫头鹰（智慧的象征）向山上跑去。
Metaphysics – literally ‘beyond physics’. It asks questions about the fundamental nature of reality: What exists? Is there a God? Do we have free will? Memorise it by splitting the word: meta + physics, as if you are stepping after the physical world to explore what lies behind it.
形而上学（Metaphysics）——字面意思为“物理学之后”。它探究实在的根本性质：什么存在？有神吗？我们有自由意志吗？记忆时可将单词拆分为 meta + physics，仿佛你正跨过物理世界去探索其后隐藏的东西。
Epistemology – the theory of knowledge. The Greek episteme means knowledge. Connect it with the phrase ‘epic story of knowing’ to remember that this branch deals with how we know what we know. Core questions include: What is truth? Can we trust our senses?
认识论（Epistemology）——知识论。希腊语 episteme 意为知识。用短语“史诗般的认知故事”来记忆，这一分支探讨我们如何知道我们所知道的。核心问题包括：什么是真理？我们能信任自己的感官吗？
Ethics – moral philosophy. It’s the study of right and wrong. Think of the word ‘ethos’ (character) inside ethics. Good character = good ethics. Similarly, aesthetics studies beauty and art, from aisthetikos (perceptible). Both end in ‘-ics’, marking them as areas of systematic study.
伦理学（Ethics）——道德哲学，研究对与错。记法：ethics 中含有 ethos（品格）。良好品格 = 良好伦理。类似地，美学（Aesthetics）研究美与艺术，源自 aisthetikos（可感知的）。两者都以 “-ics” 结尾，标志着系统的研究领域。
2. Logical Reasoning Terms | 逻辑推理术语
Premise – a statement that provides evidence or reason to support a conclusion. Visualise a building: premises are the ground floor that holds up the roof (the conclusion). If the premises are weak, the argument collapses.
前提（Premise）——为结论提供证据或理由的陈述。想象一座建筑：前提是支撑屋顶（结论）的底层。如果前提薄弱，论证就会坍塌。
Conclusion – the claim that follows from the premises. It is the ‘therefore’ statement. Memorise by linking ‘conclude’ to ‘close’ – it closes the reasoning chain.
结论（Conclusion）——由前提得出的主张，即“因此”的陈述。将 conclude 与“关闭”联系起来记忆——它结束了推理链。
Deduction – reasoning from general principles to a specific case. If the premises are true, the conclusion must be true. All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore Socrates is mortal. Remember: Deduction Delivers Definitive certainty.
演绎（Deduction）——从一般原则推理至具体事例的推理。如果前提为真，结论必然为真。人终有一死；苏格拉底是人；因此苏格拉底终有一死。记忆：演绎提供确定性（Deduction Delivers Definitive）。
Induction – reasoning from specific observations to a general conclusion. This is how science works: the sun has risen every day, so it will rise tomorrow. Induction only makes a conclusion probable, not certain. Think: Induction Increases probability, but is not Infallible.
归纳（Induction）——从具体观察推理至一般结论。这就是科学的工作方式：太阳天天升起，所以明天也会升起。归纳只能使结论具有可能性，而非必然性。记法：归纳增加可能性，但绝非无误（Induction Increases probability, but is not Infallible）。
Fallacy – a flaw in reasoning that weakens an argument. From Latin fallere (to deceive). A fallacy often sounds plausible but is logically defective. The ‘ad hominem’ fallacy attacks the person instead of the argument. Picture someone tripping (fall) over a faulty step in their reasoning.
谬误（Fallacy）——削弱论证的推理缺陷。源于拉丁语 fallere（欺骗）。谬误听起来常常合理，但逻辑上有缺陷。“人身攻击”谬误攻击的是人而非论点。想象某人在推理的故障台阶上绊倒（fall）。
3. Epistemology: Knowledge & Belief | 认识论：知识与信念
A priori – knowledge that is independent of experience, such as ‘2 + 2 = 4’. The phrase is Latin for ‘from what comes before’. Remember by thinking of ‘prior’ – you know it prior to any sensory checking.
先验（A priori）——不依赖于经验的知识，如“2 + 2 = 4”。拉丁语意为“由先前而来”。记忆时联想“prior”（在先）一词——在任何感官检验之前你就知道了。
A posteriori – knowledge that depends on experience or empirical evidence, like ‘water boils at 100°C at sea level’. Think of ‘post’ (after) – you need to test it after observing the world.
后验（A posteriori）——依赖于经验或经验证据的知识，如“水在海平面 100°C 沸腾”。联想 “post”（之后）——你需要在观察世界之后才能检验它。
Empiricism – the view that all knowledge comes from sense experience. John Locke described the mind as a ‘blank slate’ (tabula rasa) at birth. The word ‘empire’ can help you remember: empires build on what they see and conquer; empiricists build knowledge on what they sense.
经验主义（Empiricism）——认为所有知识都来自感官经验的观点。约翰·洛克将心灵描述为出生时的“白板”（tabula rasa）。单词 “empire”（帝国）可助记忆：帝国建立于所见和征服之上；经验主义者则建立知识于所感之上。
Rationalism – the view that reason, not experience, is the primary source of knowledge. Descartes’ famous ‘I think, therefore I am’ (Cogito ergo sum) is a rationalist foundation. Link ‘ratio’ with rationalism: it’s about logical ratios of the mind.
理性主义（Rationalism）——认为理性而非经验才是知识主要来源的观点。笛卡尔著名的“我思故我在”就是理性主义的基石。将 “ratio”（比率）与理性主义联系起来：它关乎心灵的逻辑比率。
Scepticism – the attitude of doubting knowledge claims. Global scepticism says we cannot know anything for certain; local scepticism targets specific areas. Think of a sceptic as a detective who always asks: ‘Is that really true?’
怀疑论（Scepticism）——怀疑知识主张的态度。全面怀疑论认为我们不能确知任何事情；局部怀疑论针对特定领域。把怀疑论者想象成一位总在问“那真的如此吗？”的侦探。
4. Metaphysics: Reality & Existence | 形而上学：实在与存在
Ontology – the study of being and existence. Derived from Greek ont- (being). Ontology asks: What kinds of things exist? Are abstract objects (numbers, justice) real? Memory hook: ‘Onto’ sounds like ‘on to’ – what goes on to the list of things that exist?
本体论（Ontology）——关于存在物的研究。源自希腊语 ont-（存在）。本体论问：存在什么样的事物？抽象对象（数字、正义）是真实的吗？记忆挂钩：“onto” 听起来像是“在……之上”，意指哪些东西排在了存在物清单之上。
Dualism – the idea that mind and body are two distinct substances. René Descartes is the most famous dualist. ‘Duo’ means two. Imagine a person split into two halves: a ghostly mind and a material machine.
二元论（Dualism）——认为心灵与身体是两种不同实体的观点。勒内·笛卡尔是最著名的二元论者。“Duo”意为二。想象一个人分成两半：幽灵般的心灵与物质的机器。
Monism – the belief that reality is composed of one fundamental substance. Physicalism claims everything is physical; idealism claims everything is mental. ‘Mono’ means one. Think of a single colour painting the entire universe.
一元论（Monism）——相信实在由一种基本实体构成。物理主义声称一切都是物理的；唯心主义声称一切都是精神的。“Mono”意为一。想象一种单一的颜色涂遍整个宇宙。
Determinism – the view that every event has a cause, and given the prior state of the universe, only one future is possible. This challenges free will. ‘De-terminate’ suggests the end (terminus) is already fixed. Picture a train on rails with no turns.
决定论（Determinism）——认为每个事件都有原因，并且根据宇宙的先前状态，只有一种未来是可能的。这挑战了自由意志。 “de-terminate” 暗示终点（terminus）已经固定。想象一列在铁轨上无法转弯的火车。
Free will – the ability to choose and act without being forced by external or internal determinism. Compatibilism argues free will is compatible with determinism. Remember: free will feels like choosing your own story path, but philosophers debate whether the book was already written.
自由意志（Free will）——不受外部或内在决定论强制而选择和行动的能力。相容论认为自由意志与决定论相容。记忆：自由意志感觉就像选择你自己的故事路径，但哲学家们在争论这本书是否早已写好。
5. Ethics: Moral Philosophy Terms | 伦理学：道德哲学术语
Utilitarianism – piness for the greatest number. Created by Jeremy Bentham and refined by John Stuart Mill. ‘Utility’ = usefulness for generating pleasure. Remember the slogan: ‘Greatest good for the greatest gang.’
功利主义（Utilitarianism）——一种伦理学理论，主张如果行动能为最大多数人产生最大幸福，那么该行动就是道德上正确的。由杰里米·边沁创立，约翰·斯图尔特·密尔完善。 “Utility”即产生快乐的用处。记住口号：“最大帮派的最大利益”。
Deontology – duty-based ethics, most associated with Immanuel Kant. The Greek deon means duty. For Kant, an act is moral if it is done out of duty and can be universalised. Think of a ‘deon’ as a ‘doer of duty’. The Categorical Imperative: act only according to that maxim which you can at the same time will to become a universal law.
义务论（Deontology）——基于义务的伦理学，最常与伊曼努尔·康德联系在一起。希腊语 deon 意为义务。对康德而言，一个行为若出于义务且可普遍化，那就是道德的。将“deon”看作“义务的实践者”。定言命令：只按照你同时愿意它成为普遍法则的准则去行动。
Virtue ethics – an approach that focuses on the character of the moral agent rather than rules or consequences. Aristotle emphasised virtues like courage, temperance, and wisdom. ‘Virtue’ shares a root with ‘virile’ – originally meaning excellence. Picture a virtuous person as a balanced artist of life.
德性伦理学（Virtue ethics）——一种关注道德主体品格而非规则或后果的方法。亚里士多德强调勇气、节制和智慧等德性。“Virtue” 与 “virile”同源——原意为优秀。想象一个有德之人如同一位平衡的生活艺术家。
Moral absolutism – the belief that there are universal, unchanging moral principles. The opposite of moral relativism, which claims morality varies between cultures or individuals. Absolutism sounds like ‘absolute’ – no exceptions. Relativism sounds like ‘relative’ – it depends on the context.
道德绝对主义（Moral absolutism）——相信存在普遍的、不变的道德原则。其反面为道德相对主义（Moral relativism），主张道德因文化或个人而异。绝对主义听起来像“absolute”——毫无例外。相对主义听起来像“relative”——视情形而定。
6. Political Philosophy & Justice | 政治哲学与正义
Social contract – the idea that individuals unite into a society by an implicit agreement, surrendering some freedoms in exchange for protection and order. Think of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. The ‘contract’ is like the terms and conditions of living in a state. People accept rules so that life is not ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short’ (Hobbes).
社会契约（Social contract）——认为个人通过隐含的协议联合成社会，让渡一些自由以换取保护与秩序。联想霍布斯、洛克和卢梭。“契约”就像生活在一个国家中的条款与条件。人们接受规则，从而使生命不至于“孤独、贫困、污秽、粗野而短暂”（霍布斯）。
Natural rights – rights that belong to all humans simply because they are human, such as life, liberty, and property (Locke). These are not granted by governments; they are inherent. Think of ‘nature’s gift’. You don’t earn them; you’re born with them.
自然权利（Natural rights）——所有人类仅因其为人而拥有的权利，如生命权、自由权和财产权（洛克）。这些权利并非政府授予，而是与生俱来的。视作“大自然的赠礼”。你不是挣得它们，你生而享有。
Justice as fairness – John Rawls' theory that a just society is one organised behind a ‘veil of ignorance’, where no one knows their own position. The two principles guarantee equal basic liberties and arrange inequalities to benefit the least advantaged. The ‘veil’ image reminds you to design society without self-interest.
公平即正义（Justice as fairness）——约翰·罗尔斯的理论：一个正义的社会是在“无知之幕”背后组织的，没有人知道自己的处境。两大原则保障平等的根本自由，并安排不平等以使最不利者受益。“幕布”的意象提醒你设计社会时需摒弃自利。
Anarchism – the political philosophy that advocates a society without government or hierarchical authority. From Greek an- (without) and archos (ruler). Remember: an-archy means ‘no ruler’. However, it does not necessarily mean chaos; anarchists argue for voluntary cooperation.
无政府主义（Anarchism）——提倡没有政府或等级权威的社会的政治哲学。源自希腊语 an-（无）和 archos（统治者）。记忆：an-archy 即“无统治者”。然而它并不必然意味着混乱；无政府主义者主张自愿合作。
7. Philosophy of Mind | 心灵哲学
Consciousness – the subjective experience of being aware. Philosophers ask: How does physical brain activity produce the feeling of pain or the redness of red? This ‘hard problem’ was identified by David Chalmers. Think of consciousness as the internal movie screen that plays your life.
意识（Consciousness）——主观的觉知体验。哲学家问：物理的大脑活动如何产生疼痛的感觉或红色之红？这个“难题”由大卫·查尔默斯提出。将意识想象成播放你生活的内部电影屏幕。
Qualia – the individual, qualitative feelings of experience. The taste of chocolate, the sound of a violin. Plural of quale. These are the ‘what it is like’ aspects. Imagine a tiny artist’s palette inside your head, painting unique sensory qualia.
感受质（Qualia）——经验的个别的、定性的感觉。巧克力的滋味、小提琴的声音。拉丁语 quale 的复数。这些是“像什么样”的方面。想象你脑内有一块小小的调色板，描绘着独特的感官感受质。
Functionalism – right functions. The mind is what the brain does. Remember a function machine: input → processing → output.
功能主义（Functionalism）——认为心理状态由其因果角色而非内部构成来定义。如果计算机能够执行正确的功能，心灵也可以由它实现。心灵即大脑之所为。记一功能机器：输入 → 加工 → 输出。
Identity theory – g over and above C-fibres firing. It’s a type of physicalism. Contrast with dualism. Think ‘mind = brain’ as a strict identity, like water = H₂O.
同一论（Identity theory）——主张心理状态等同于大脑状态。例如，疼痛不外乎 C-纤维的放电。这是一种物理主义。与二元论相对。将“心灵 = 大脑”视为严格的同一，如 水 = H₂O。
8. Philosophy of Religion | 宗教哲学
Theism – belief in the existence of a God or gods, usually a personal God who intervenes in the world. From Greek theos (god). Atheism is the lack of belief in any deity, agnosticism is the suspension of judgement. Think: theist sees a divine signature everywhere; atheist sees only natural causes.
有神论（Theism）——相信存在一位或多位神，通常是一位介入世界的位格神。来自希腊语 theos（神）。无神论（Atheism）缺乏对任何神祇的信仰，不可知论（Agnosticism）则悬置判断。联想法：有神论者处处看到神圣签名；无神论者只看到自然原因。
Ontological argument – an a priori argument for the existence of God, famously formulated by Anselm: God is that being than which nothing greater can be conceived. If God exists only in the mind, we could conceive of a greater being (one that exists in reality), so God must exist in reality. Remember: ‘Onto’logical argument starts from the concept (being) itself.
本体论论证（Ontological argument）——关于上帝存在的先验论证，由安瑟伦著名地表述：上帝是不能设想有比之更伟大的存在。如果上帝只存在于心灵中，我们就能设想一个更伟大的存在（实存于现实中），因此上帝必然存在于现实中。记忆：“Onto” 逻辑论证从概念（存在）本身出发。
Teleological argument – the argument from design. The universe appears ordered with a purpose (telos in Greek), like a watch implies a watchmaker. Paley’s watchmaker analogy is a classic. ‘Tele-’ means far or end, as in telescope – it’s about the far-sighted purpose.
目的论论证（Teleological argument）——设计论证。宇宙显示出有目的的秩序（希腊语 telos 即目的），就像手表暗示着制表匠。佩利的手表类比是经典。“Tele-” 意为远或目标，如在望远镜中——它关乎远见的目的。
Problem of evil – if God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good, why does evil exist? The logical problem of evil argues these attributes are incompatible with the existence of evil. A theodicy is an attempt to justify God’s goodness despite evil. Think of it as the universe’s most difficult puzzle.
恶的问题（Problem of evil）——如果上帝全知、全善、全能，为什么还有恶存在？恶的逻辑问题论证这些属性与恶的存在不相容。神义论（theodicy）则试图在恶面前为上帝的善辩护。视之为宇宙最棘手的谜题。
9. Aesthetics & Value Theory | 美学与价值理论
Aesthetic judgement – the evaluation of art or beauty. Kant argued that pure aesthetic judgement is disinterested, i.e. we appreciate beauty without desire. Imagine gazing at a sunset without wanting to own it. Disinterested pleasure is pure mental enjoyment.
审美判断（Aesthetic judgement）——对艺术或美的评价。康德主张纯粹的审美判断是无利害的，即我们欣赏美时不带欲望。想象凝视日落而不想占有它。无利害的愉悦是纯粹的精神享受。
Sublime – a quality of greatness beyond calculation, often mixed with awe or terror. A stormy sea or a vast mountain range can evoke the sublime. Burke elaborated the distinction between the beautiful and the sublime. The word ‘sublime’ looks like ‘sub-lime’ – almost beyond the limits, like a lime light that overwhelms you.
崇高（Sublime）——一种超越算计的伟大品质，通常混合着敬畏或恐惧。狂风暴雨的大海或广阔的群山可唤起崇高感。伯克详细区分了优美与崇高。“sublime” 看起来像 “sub-lime”——近乎极限之下，如同淹没你的强光。
Art as expression – R.G. Collingwood argued that the artwork expresses the emotion of the artist, and the audience recreates that emotion. Art is not just craft; it clarifies feelings. Think of art as a coded emotional message, waiting to be decoded by a sensitive receiver.
艺术即表现（Art as expression）——R.G. 柯林伍德认为艺术作品表达艺术家的情感，而观众重新创造了那种情感。艺术不只是工艺；它澄清感情。把艺术看作加密的情感信息，等待被敏感的接受者解码。
10. Quick-Memorisation Techniques & Exam Tips | 速记技巧与考试贴士
Etymological dissection – many philosophical terms owe their meaning to ancient Greek or Latin roots. For instance, ‘autonomy’ means self (auto) + law (nomos). When you encounter a new term, split it into its components and link each to a word you already know. This builds a memory bridge.
词源拆解法——许多哲学术语的含义源于古希腊语或拉丁语词根。例如，“autonomy”意为自我（auto）+ 法则（nomos）。遇见新术语时，将其拆分为组成部分，并将每个部分与你已认识的单词联系起来。这能建立记忆桥梁。
Conceptual chunking – group related terms together. Study all epistemology terms in one session, then all ethics terms. The brain retains information better when it can see the links between ideas. Use mind maps: draw a central branch name (e.g. Metaphysics) and radiate keywords with brief definitions.
概念组块法——将相关术语组合在一起。在一个学习时段中集中记忆所有认识论术语，然后所有伦理学术语。当大脑能看到概念之间的联系时，它能更好地记忆信息。使用思维导图：画出中心分支名称（如形而上学），并向四周辐射关键词及其简要定义。
Storytelling & analogy – turn abstract terms into vivid mental scenes. For utilitarianism, imagine a railway switchman who must decide which track to divert a runaway trolley, aiming to save the maximum number of people. For dualism, picture a ghost pilot inside a mechanical body. The wackier the image, the stickier it is.
故事与类比法——将抽象术语转换为生动的心理场景。对于功利主义，想象一个铁路扳道工必须决定将失控电车导向哪条铁轨以拯救最多的人；对于二元论，想象一个鬼魂驾驶员坐在机械身体里。越是古怪的画面，就越能黏在记忆里。
Flashcard rotation – write the term on one side and the English/Chinese definition plus a memory hook on the other. Test yourself daily in both directions: from English to definition and from definition to term. Use spaced repetition: review difficult cards more often.
抽认卡轮换法——在一面写上术语，另一面写上英中定义并添加记忆挂钩。每天自测两个方向：从英语到定义，从定义到术语。运用间隔重复法：更频繁地复习困难的卡片。
Exam command words – CIE papers often use specific prompts. ‘Explain’ requires you to give reasons and unpack a concept in detail; ‘Discuss’ expects you to present multiple viewpoints and evaluate them. Practise turning vocabulary definitions into short paragraphs that meet these command words. This trains you to use terminology accurately under timed conditions.
考试指令词——CIE 试卷经常使用特定的提示词。“解释”要求你给出理由并详细解析概念；“讨论”则期望你呈现多种观点并加以评估。练习将词汇定义转化为满足这些指令词的简短段落。这训练你在限时条件下准确地使用术语。
Published by TutorHao | Philosophy Revision Series | aleveler.com
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