Metaphysics Essay example - 1838 Words

Metaphysics 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. The world is not one of atoms or particles, even though they have a place in the world. The basic notion of Aristotles logic reflects a distinction in the way reality is structured and reflects the basic way that we view reality. Substance is whatever is a natural kind of thing and exists in its own right. Examples are rocks, trees, animals and the like.†¦show more content†¦Aristotles theory was firmly rooted in his broader metaphysics, according to which all things are a combination of matter#8212;a sometimes shadowy, indefinite substance with the potential to become most anything#8212;and form which transforms matter into actual particular things. Aristotle felt that part of the procedure of becoming required two things, the matter as a substratum and the form. The form functions, shapes and defines the thing. Both matter and the form, according to Aristotle, were transcendent and imperishable entities. Matter and form were never separated from one from the other. Matter cannot exist without form, and form cannot exist without matter. The most important and the most valuable is form. This applies equally to the creations of man and to the creations of nature. III. The Four Causes Aristotles doctrine of the four causes is easily misunderstood. To charge Aristotle with having only a dim understanding of causality, however is to accuse him of missing a target he wasnt even aiming at. It is natural for us to think of Aristotles causes in terms of our notion of cause-and-effect, however this is misleading in several ways. We must keep this in mind whenever we use the word cause in connection with his doctrine. Aristotle drew from the attempts of all his predecessors, and learned from their mistakes. There are different ways of answering the question of why things are as they are. These ways ofShow MoreRelatedWhat Is Metaphysics? The Universal Definition Of Metaphysics1140 Words   |  5 PagesGarrett Recto 11-19-2015 PHL 204 FINAL PAPER WHAT IS METAPHYSICS? What is Metaphysics? The universal definition of metaphysics in philosophy is the aspect that deals with the first principle of things, which include abstract concepts of the being, knowing, cause, identity, time and space. Basically, metaphysics encounters the basic questions in such possible terms; what is there and what is it like? As individuals, we attempt to grasp or comprehend the theories and meaning of every aspect toRead More Metaphysics Essay705 Words   |  3 PagesMetaphysics 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 knowledgeRead MoreMetaphysics Is The Study Of Reality Essay1430 Words   |  6 PagesMeta refers to the Meaning of after or beyond. Metaphysics is the study of reality. On the other hand, Kit Fine describes Metaphysics as follows; â€Å"it s the study of the most general features of reality.† Thus, it is the philosophical study of any widespread characteristics of reality. The study of the nature of the existence of a characteristic will let metaphysician answer and bring about theories for it being there. So me questions Metaphysician think of are as follows: Is there an Evil Demon?Read MoreMetaphysics Of Muhammad Iqbal1474 Words   |  6 PagesIqbals metaphysic thought and its connectivity to all philosophers overall tend to be very broad. However, it does not diminish the value of this study entitled Metaphysical Thought of Muhammad Iqbal and His College in Reconstructing Character at Institution of Education, (Case Study at Educational Foundation Prof. Dr. H. Kadirun Yahya) In this study the author limits within the conceptual scope, the view of Muhammad Iqbal in metaphysics. Also, the factor, background, and view of Muhammad IqbalRead MoreMorality, Metaphysics, And Religion1480 Words   |  6 PagesTHE PARTICULAR AND THE UNIVERSAL IN MORALITY, METAPHYSICS, AND RELIGION In his second speech to the literary salon of Henrietta Herz, Friedrich Schleiermacher dismantles the perception of religion as a blending together of morality and metaphysics. He argues that such a hybrid can never truly function as religion and that to attack such a false construct is to fight against a shadow, rather than to engage the true subject (21). Morality, metaphysics, and religion all address the same subject matter—theRead MoreQuestions On The Philosophy Of Metaphysics1372 Words   |  6 PagesEdina Pepic Metaphysics 04-04-15 Midterm 1. What is the project of metaphysics? How did the early Greek Philosophers develop the issue? What were their enduring contributions, the diversity of their responses and the abiding issues that will engage the subsequent tradition? The project of Metaphysics is the study of existence; Metaphysics purpose is to answer, â€Å"What is reality.† Metaphysics reviews everything in the world that exists, although Metaphysics is a small part of Philosophy itRead MoreThe Metaphysic Of Abstract Particulars1998 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction: In this paper I will present the arguments for tropes and their distinction from universals and particulars as presented by Keith Campbell in his paper â€Å"The Metaphysic of Abstract Particulars.† I will then present a counter argument to Campbell’s evaluation and provide possible responses to those arguments. I will also provide possible adjustments Campbell could make to create a more sound argument. Campbell’s Argument: Since Plato, two mutually exclusive yet essential categoriesRead MoreDiscourse on Metaphysics by Leibniz Essays612 Words   |  3 PagesDiscourse on Metaphysics by Leibniz In the Discourse on Metaphysics by Leibniz he suggest that, we maintain that everything that is to happen to some person is already contained virtually in his nature or notion, as properties of a circle are contained in its definition. This assertion raised a difficulty for Leibniz. This difficulty was that human freedom will no longer hold, and that an absolute fatality would rule over all our actions as well as over all the rest of what happens in theRead MorePlato s System Of Metaphysics1049 Words   |  5 PagesAdrian Farrales Introduction to Philosophy Metaphysics 11/6/14 Plato’s system of metaphysics revolves around the concept of Eidos, or forms. A form is the perfect and truest instance of a particular idea. In the world, we find particular instances of each form. For example, a certain pen is a particular instance of the form of pen. Every single pen in the world contributes to the form of pen. This contribution of particulars to the forms is called mathexis in Greek, or simplyRead More Immanuel Kant’s Metaphysics Essay3676 Words   |  15 PagesImmanuel Kant’s Metaphysics THEME In regard to Metaphysics, Kant’s results were seemingly the opposite to what he strove to achieve, cf. the claim, in his Introduction, that â€Å"In this enquiry . . . I venture to assert that there is not a single metaphysical problem which has not been solved, or for the solution of which the key has not been supplied.† In the summing up of his Prolegomena, he records with evident pride in achievement: â€Å"Anyone who has read through and grasped the principles