Two Kinds of Metaphysics

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Philosophy Midterm Paper “Two Kinds of Metaphysics”

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy concerned with revealing the theoretical nature of being and the world that envelops it. The word “metaphysics” derives itself from the two Greek words μετά (metá) which means beyond, and the word φυσικά (physiká) meaning physics. This branch of philosophy began when ancient philosophers questioned what was beyond physics, concepts such as being, knowing, cause, time, substance, and space where questioned. Two Ancient Greek philosophers who had the most impactful views on metaphysics, furthermore helping shape the future for western philosophy were Plato, and Aristotle. Although Plato taught Aristotle in an academy in Athens they have very diverse views on many metaphysical principles. Comparing and contrasting the metaphysical views of Plato and Aristotle benefits any individual wishing to understand ancient, as well as modern views and concepts of this significant branch of philosophy.

Plato was the pupil of the ancient philosopher, Socrates. Plato’s undertaking was to the existence of a special class of existence known as “ideas” known as Forms. Plato was able to create his metaphysical inception of Forms by studying the Ontology of his predecessors such as Parmenides. According to Plato Forms are the only genuine entity of study that can provide us with absolute knowledge. Plato is faithful to the perseverance of a world that is unbiased and mind independent. Previous philosophers believe that our senses, which are our illusive access to the world are wholly mistaken about the reality we live in, Plato also shares this belief. “The Form of Good” is known by Plato as the intellectual brilliance of all Forms. In Plato’s famous book...

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...tinguished. Seeing these two kinds of metaphysics helps any individual understand metaphysical principles, as well as have a better understanding of the fundamentals of philosophy.

Works Cited

"Aristotle's Ten Categories." Aristotle's Ten Categories. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2013.

"Categories (Aristotle)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 08 Feb. 2013. Web. 20 Oct. 2013.

Harte, Verity. "Plato's Metaphysics." Plato's Metaphysics (2008): 1-5. Print.

Publication: The Oxford Handbook of Plato

Marc, Cohen, S. "Aristotle's Metaphysics." Stanford University. Stanford University, 08 Oct. 2000. Web. 20 Oct. 2013.

Morris, Thomas V. Philosophy for Dummies. Foster City, CA: IDG Worldwide, 1999. Print.

N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2013.

"Substance, Matter, and Form." Substance, Matter, and Form. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2013.

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