Metaphysics:
Since physics actually means the physical world; Meta involves the non-material world, such as the mind and spiritual brief. According to Encarta Encyclopedia, “Metaphysics,” is a branch of philosophy that entails the "nature of ultimate reality" (p.1) According to the Hummingbird N Company’s, “The Metaphysical Sciences,” the dictionary defines this as “A mental philosophy dealing with the nature and causes of being and knowing” (p.1). H. J. Patton (1948), say’s in Immanuel Kent Ground Work of the Metaphysics of Morals, “so act that your will can regard itself at the same time universal law thought its maxim” (p.34). The interoperation was that the universal law was the human’s as rational beings. Therefore, act, as you will but at the same time having the rational beings at the maximum of self-value. Patton goes on to say the rational being is having universal law at is maxim, is giving ones self-supreme value (p. 35). Therefore, Patton feels making decisions should be based on maxims of the universal law (p. 108). Which means all decisions should be made rationally.
According to “Socrates” in Encarta encyclopedia, he believed that his calling was to pursue philosophy, he pursued teaching and engaging in self-examination of ones soul (p.1). Jacques Maritain (1964), Moral Philosophy, Socrates questioned traditional norms (p. 6). He did not write any books and also did not establish a regular school of philosophy (Encarta, “Socrates” p.1). Plato, one of his dispels, portrayed Socrates as “hiding behind an ironical profession of ignorance, known as Socrates irony (Encarta, “Socrates,” p.1). According to Castell, Brochert, and Zucker, in Introduction to Modern Philosophy, Socrates would engaged in debates with people, playing devils advocate, trying to invoke people to think about religion and other none material aspect (p. 3). Socrates got in trouble for this and was sentenced to exile, but verses doing this he commit suicide. The question is, if he did not commit suicide would he be as well known now.
The actual term metaphysics was believed to originate in Rome around 70 BC, according to Encarta Encyclopedia (p. 1). This also states it that it started with Andronicus of Rhodes with his edition of Aristotle’s work (p. 1). Aristotle’s Metaphysics he questioned subjects on substance, causality, the nature of being and the existence of God (p. 1).
Aristotle argued in favor of a divine being (Encarta, “Aristotle,” p.2). He described this the Prime Mover: “who is responsible of the unity and purposefulness of nature.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that meta involves the non-material world, such as the mind and spiritual brief.
- Explains that logic is a method of careful thinking, which the outcome is truth. aristotle's mathematical formula, syllogism, broke all barriers except chemistry.
- Explains the three types of ethics: metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics.
- Explains the importance of metaphysics, logic, ethics, and aesthesis in philosophy.
Related
- explanatory
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- Metaphysology And Epistemologyexplanatory essayMetaphysics and Epistemology are two closely related philosophical terms. Metaphysics focuses on theories that involve reality, whereas Epistemology deals with theories of knowledge (Alexander, 2010). The firm connection between these two branches of philosophy emerges as a domino effect since our assumptions regarding reality affect our ideas concerning knowledge. The area of metaphysics is composed of a variety of theories; the most crucial are: materialism, idealism, dualism, and neutralism. Moreover, epistemological theories focus on how true beliefs can be classified such as to count as real knowledge. Dogmatism, rationalism, empiricism, pragmatism, and skepticism are different epistemological theories.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that metaphysics and epistemology are closely related philosophical terms. metaphysics focuses on theories that involve reality, whereas ephemerology deals with theories of knowledge.
- Explains that idealism is the view that ultimate reality is mind, spirit, or form. plato set forth an interesting concept of reality based on his beliefs.
- Explains that thomas hobbes attacked dualism by originating his own theory of reality, materialism, which merely relies on the concept that reality is pure matter.
- Explains that epistemology helps us distinguish between common opinions and substantiated beliefs. john locke developed the theory of empiricism by using "ockham's razor" or the principle of simplicity.
- Explains that john dewey's theory of knowledge is known as "instrumentalism" and proposes that humans think to solve problems.
- Explains that they are a science person, so their idea of reality hinges on the unique essence of things and their current positions, as well as their purpose.
949 wordsRead More - Quantum Physicsexplanatory essayQuantum mechanics is the study of the behavior of energy and matter at the atomic, molecular and nuclear levels and sometimes even microscopic levels. The first initial information on quantum mechanics was first discovered in the early 20th century by a pioneering scientist Max Planck, because of this early knowledge of quantum energy it led to the first invention of the transistor. Scientist Max Planck discovered an equation that explained the results of these tests. The equation is as follows, E=Nhf, with E=energy, N=integer, h=constant, f=frequency. In determining this equation, Planck came up with the constant (h), which is now known as "Planck's constant." The word “Quantum” comes from the Latin meaning “how much”, which refers to the units of matter and energy predicted and observed in quantum physics. In day to day life it is understood how the world generally works and how the basic laws of physics come to play. Some examples of this are the following, drop a vase and it will break on the floor due to gravity, push a toy car and it will ride along because pushing something makes it move. Since the turn of the century scientists assumed that all the basic rules of physics applied to everything in nature as well but they did not. Quantum mechanics has also played an important role in technological advances that make modern life possible. Without it the first transistor would not have been invented or the personal computer or laser, and hence no Blu-ray players. Author James Kakalios mentioned in an interview regarding his book titled The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics that if you understand and accept the following three ideas, a light is a photon, matter has a wavelength nature associated with its motion and tha...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that quantum mechanics is the study of the behavior of energy and matter at the atomic, molecular and nuclear levels and sometimes even microscopic levels.
- Explains how quantum mechanics came to be based on the discovery of atoms, electrons and light waves. the discreteness of energy, wave-particle duality of light and matter, quantum tunneling, and the heisenberg uncertainty principle are among the most important aspects.
- Explains that in the discreteness of energy, electrons exist within certain levels, which prevents them from running into the nucleus. quantum tunneling is considered the most interesting theory from quantum mechanics.
- Explains the heisenberg uncertainty principle, which states the more precise the position of a particle, the less precise its momentum will be known.
- Explains that quantum computers will be able to execute jobs much faster than today's computers. quantum physics may help doctors locate cancer cells in the body.
1077 wordsRead More - Socrates: The Use Of The Socratic Methodanalytical essaySocrates was known to be a philosopher in ancient Greece, specifically Athens, who laid down the foundations of western philosophy. He was born in 469-470 BC and died by execution in 399 BC for his philosophies. His ideologies are extremely appreciated today for many uses. His philosophies are guidelines on how we should live, but Socrates never once wrote his teachings down. The majority of his work was documented by Plato, who was one of Socrates followers. Many considered Plato as one of his students, but Socrates was documented to have not taught for money or opened his own academy of philosophy which suggests that Plato was not an actual student of his. The main source of information about Socrates and his work is not documented by him
In this essay, the author
- Explains that socrates was a philosopher in ancient greece, specifically athens, who laid down the foundations of western philosophy.
- Explains socrates' method of asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. the sophists were seen as the wisest men in athens and they believed that their advice and opinions were worth more than real experts.
- Describes the socratic method, which is used to logically assess an individual's ideas and beliefs on matters such as knowledge, reality, and existence.
- Analyzes how socrates uses the socratic method to cause euthyphro to disagree with his original statement on what pious or a holy act is.
- Analyzes how socrates used the socratic method to make euthyphro change his definition of something he is meant to be an expert on five times.
1318 wordsRead More - Metaphysicsanalytical essayMetaphysics Whereas sciences deal with particular kinds of beings, metaphysics is concerned with beings as such. According to Aristotle, there is no such thing as mere being; to be is always to be a substance or object, a quantity, a quality, or a member of some other basic category. I. Substance and Accidents Substance is the primary mode of being according to Aristotle.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that metaphysics is concerned with beings as such. according to aristotle, there is no such thing as mere being.
- Explains that the material cause of a house, for example, would include all building materials used in its construction. an explanation of the house could not exist unless they were present.
- Explains that the formal cause is the pattern or essence in conformity with which materials are assembled. this is part of the explanation of a house.
- Explains that the efficient cause is the agent or force immediately responsible for bringing this matter and that form together in the production of the thing.
- Explains that aristotle's logic reflects a distinction in the way reality is structured, and the basic way that we view reality.
- Analyzes how aristotle utilized the concept of matter and form in an entirely new way.
- Opines that aristotle's doctrine of the four causes is easily misunderstood. he drew from the attempts of his predecessors and learned from their mistakes.
- Explains that the final cause is the end or purpose for which a thing exists, and the various goals or ends that are sought along the way are secondary causes.
- Explains how aristotle distinguishes between two types of potentiality, namely substance and motion.
- Analyzes how aristotle distinguishes between necessity-as-compulsion and simple necessity. he explains the possibility of enduring substances that endure through time by distinguishing potentiality and actuality.
- Explains that aristotle viewed ethics as an attempt to find out our chief end or highest good. he believed that happiness must be based on human nature and begin from personal experience.
1835 wordsRead More - Metaphysics comes from the Greek terms μετά, or metá, meaning above beyond or after, and φυσικά, or physiká, meaning physics. So at its roots, Metaphysics is the study of everything that lies above physical reality, and of what relationship those things have with it. However, one question arose repeatedly with almost every major metaphysical thinker, which narrowed the scope of metaphysics' targets. In contemplating that which lies after the corporeal, metaphysical minds began to wonder why things existed at all. After all, if things did not have existence, then there would nothing to consider. So, being and existence, which were before just two metaphysical concepts, became the highest powers presiding over the rest of reality, and the first philosopher to completely delineate these concepts would become equally important. This is how the quest for the cause for being began.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that metaphysics is the study of everything that lies above physical reality, and of what relationship those things have with it.
- Analyzes how thomas aquinas synthesizes the teachings of aristotle with the dogma of the catholic church, which was seen as blasphemy.
- Explains that aquinas uses many complex and sometimes convoluted terms in describing an object's being.
- Explains that aquinas' metaphysics begins with the distinction between existence and essence, which modifies aristotle's theory greatly.
- Analyzes how aquinas proposes directly from these propositions into the relationship between existence and essence of god.
- Analyzes how aquinas notes that god exists regardless of anything else, is pure existence, and is utterly singular. he cannot be sorted through to find differences.
- Explains that aquinas says that if the existence of a thing differs from its essence, it must be caused either by some exterior agent or by its essential principles.
- Explains that god's existence cannot be different from its essence. this proof allows thomas to pose god as the creator figure of christianity as he did before, and provides aquinas basis to laud god.
- Analyzes how thomas aquinas' arguments are effective and concise, but many still raise objections against his positions.
1219 wordsRead More - Exploring Classical Theism and Physicalismanalytical essayExploring Classical Theism and Physicalism ABSTRACT: Could a classical theist be a physicalist? Although a negative answer to this question may seem obvious, it turns out that a case can be made for the consistency of a variant of classical theism and global supervenience physicalism. Although intriguing, the case ultimately fails due to the weakness of global supervenience as an account of the dependence of mental on physical properties. Physicalism is popular these days, and to a lesser extent so is classical theism.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that a case can be made for the consistency of the variant of classical theism and global supervenience physicalist.
- Explains that physicalism is popular and a number of theists are bent on combining both.
- Opines that there is a way to attempt the reconciliation of theism and physicalis — the viability of this way is explored.
- Explains that mental properties are not identical with, but merely supervene upon, physical properties.
- Analyzes how theism fares under global supervenience, and what it says about it.
- Argues that the inventory thesis is a claim solely about the world of space-time so that god, angels and abstracta are not counterexamples to it.
- Opines that forrest's reconciliation of physicalism with theist is unsatisfactory for at least five reasons.
- Explains that it is unclear what it could mean for god's mental properties to supervene globally on physical properties.
- Argues that global supervenience is too weak a notion to capture the idea, crucial to physicalism, that mental properties are dependent upon, or determined by, physical properties.
- Argues that global supervenience is too weak to be of use in formulating a serious version of physicalism.
- Cites j. kim's "'strong' and 'global' supervenience revisited".
- Cites vide kim's "supervenience for multiple domains" in the book.
- Argues that a plausible version of physicalism cannot be either eliminativist or reductionist.
- Explains kim's preferred way of cashing this out is in terms of strong supervenience. let a and b be families of properties closed under boolean operations.
- Argues that global supervenience physicalism is compatible with the belief in a non-physical god if we are willing to make certain speculative assumptions.
- Concludes that the classical theist can find no aid and comfort in the fashionable precincts of supervenience physicalism.
- Opines that physicalism is not a doctrine about universals or other abstract objects, but about the empirical world.
2832 wordsRead More - The Ultimate Nature of Matteranalytical essayThe Ultimate Nature of Matter The theory of quantum mechanics has divided the atom into a number of fundamental sub-atomic particles. Although the physicist has shown that the atom is not a solid indivisible object, he has not been able to find a particle which does possess those qualities. Talk of particles, though, is misleading because the word suggests a material object. This is not the intention for the use of the word in quantum physics.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes russell's argument that if we perceive something in the mind, there must be something out there to be perceived.
- Explains klempner's attack that our experience of the world is only as perceptions in the mind.
- Argues that quantum mechanics has divided the atom into fundamental sub-atomic particles, but the word suggests a material object. gribbin suggests that no particle is real until it is observed.
- Compares pissaro's painting dulwich college 1871 and the building itself. materialism allows matter its independence of the mind, but it is still no closer to explaining what matter is.
- Explains that berkeley's theory is based on the idea that everything we know about the world is known only as perceptions in the mind.
2017 wordsRead More - Plato's Suicide Essayanalytical essaySocrates could easily be viewed as suicidal due the portrayal put forth in Plato’s Five Dialogues. First, there is the Apology. Numerous times Socrates was given the opportunity to defend himself in a manner that would be persuading to the jury, but he seemed to have sullied each and every chance. A compelling argument for why his actions were not the crimes he was accused of committing was given, yet he did so with harsh logic and never with an appeal to emotions. He believes such appeals, for instance, bringing his family to court, would be beneath him while acknowledging it would have aided his case with, “you will more readily convict a man who preforms these pitiful dramatics in court… than a man who keeps quiet” (Plato 39). Socrates also
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how socrates could be viewed as suicidal due to the portrayal put forth in plato’s five dialogues.
- Analyzes how cebes initiates the discussion about whether it can ever be right to kill oneself. socrates elaborates that the gods would be angry if one of their possessions harmed itself before dying.
- Analyzes how socrates' rationale corresponds well with committing suicide for a cause as the reasoning is often one with religious origins.
- Analyzes how the desire for death stemming from a terminal illness is advocated for in the debate over the legalization of physician-assisted suicide.
- Analyzes how plato disapproves of suicide due to depression, stating that it is only for those whose death is eminent because of factors out of their control.
- Analyzes how plato describes suicide in a manner that could be regarded as being unusual. he relates suicide using gods in the position of masters and the humans as their slaves.
1471 wordsRead More - Metaphysicsexplanatory essayMetaphysics Metaphysics can be defined as an attempt to comprehend the basic characteristics of reality. It is in fact so basic that it is all inclusive, whether something is observable or not. It answers questions of what things must be like in order to exist and how to differentiate from things that seem real but are not. A common thought is that reality is defined as what we can detect from our five senses. This type of philosophy is called empiricism, which is the idea that all knowledge comes from our senses.
In this essay, the author
- Defines metaphysics as an attempt to comprehend the basic characteristics of reality. it answers questions of what things must be like in order to exist and how to differentiate from things that seem real but are not.
- Explains that metaphysics is based on the fact that reality is separate from our minds and that our feelings are more real than what we can sense.
- Explains that as people get older, they can better distinguish between real and not real. fantasy is part of being human and for some people, it is a purpose of life.
- Explains that we classify things as real and not real based on previous experience and patterns. descartes said "cogito ergo sum" which means "i think, therefore i am."
- Explains that immanuel kant viewed metaphysics as a set of guiding assumptions or hypotheses which the mind requires to make sense of the world.
702 wordsRead More - A.J. Ayer: The Elimination of Metaphysicsanalytical essay... the metaphysician is mistaken in his wordings and his errors in judgment. It seems that the metaphysical philosopher would gladly lead us into a world of untruths and a world that could never be true. Ayer lets the metaphysicians keep some dignity by states that, " although the greater part of metaphysics is merely the embodiment of humdrum errors, there remain a number of metaphysical passages which are the work of genuine mystical feeling; and they may more plausibly be held to have moral or aesthetic value." Ayer ends his papers letting the readers know that metaphysics should be reduced to a mere "mystic" reading, and that it should be left off as an idea of philosophy. He says we must forget that which is beyond our empirical understanding and focus on that which is within our realm to truly understand our lives, and the way they are, or should be lived.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that metaphysics should be abandoned as a form of philosophy. ayer uses different backings to let forth his opinions on the ideas of metaphysics.
- Analyzes how ayer's justification of the elimination of metaphysics as a science starts with the simple statement that any metaphysical philosopher is merely spouting nonsense.
- Analyzes ayer's argument that a sentence must be verifiable through the proposition of which it expresses.
- Analyzes how ayer distinguishes between practical and verifiability in principle. he lets the idea of trying to prove the absolute into the picture.
- Analyzes how ayer goes too far, stating that there are weak and strong verifications, while weak verification is possible for empirical propositions.
- Analyzes how ayer makes statements about the relative mistakes that metaphysicians make in their writings, and about how we give properties to those ideas, which do not, or could not exist.
- Opines that ayer's basic argument does not extensively pursue the act of tearing down the argument for metaphysics. they argue that the principle of verifiability must be used to determine whether or not a statement is meaningful.
1195 wordsRead More