• our values and concepts are the building blocks play a big role in determining what we do an who we are 
• having a capacity to reflect on one's reasons is another part of being human 
• philosophy means thinking as hard and as clearly as one can about some of the most interesting and enduring problems human minds have ever encountered 
• the philosopher constructs arguments, theories, positions, or criticisms in an attempt to persuade his or her most intelligent and perceptive opponents 
• withholding assent- not knowing whether something is true or false based of lack of information 
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