The Blazing World

The Blazing World Glossary

Epistemology

A discipline in philosophy which is concerned with the nature of knowledge, belief, and justification.

Ontology

The branch of philosophy that investigates the nature of being, existence, or reality.

Utopia

An imagined or ideal society which is characterized by perfect social, political, and cultural conditions.

Phenomenology

A philosophical approach that focuses on the study of subjective experience and consciousness.

Semiotics

A discipline concerned with signs and how they are interpreted, including how meaning is constructed through language, images, and other forms of communication.

Hermeneutics

The theory and methodology of interpretation, particularly in relation to texts and their meanings.

Dystopia

An imagined or fictional society characterized by oppression, suffering, and an absence of positive values.

Transcendentalism

A movement that emphasizes the spiritual and intuitive aspects of human experience, often associated with nature and self-reliance.

Cartesian Dualism

The philosophical concept proposed by René Descartes posits the existence of two distinct substances—mind and body—with different attributes.

Dialectics

A method of reasoning and analysis that explores the contradictions and conflicts within systems or ideas, aiming to resolve them and uncover deeper truths.

Hegemony

The dominance or control exerted by one social or political group over others is often achieved through ideological or cultural means rather than solely through force.

Aporia

A state of perplexity or uncertainty, particularly in philosophical discourse, when faced with an insoluble problem or contradiction.

Simulacrum

A representation or imitation that has lost its connection to the original reality or meaning is often associated with the concept of hyperreality in postmodern thought.

Forefather

Someone who is another person's ancestor.

Transmutation

Changing or being changed into another form.

Vitalism

The belief that living organisms and non-living entities are fundamentally different due to a governing principle of the universe.

Celestial

Relating to heaven or the sky; supremely good.

Beseiged

Surrounded oppressively by hostile forces.

Veneration

Reverence, respect.

Deity

God, goddess, or other divine being.

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