Ancient Philosophical Influences Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is a common criticism of Plato’s theory of forms?
It lacks empirical evidence and cannot be tested through experience.
How does Plato respond to the criticism that his theory lacks empirical evidence?
He argues that evidence is unreliable because it only represents shadows of the real world of forms, which can only be discovered through a priori reasoning.
How does Aristotle critique Plato’s theory of forms?
Aristotle argues that forms are unchanging and thus cannot explain the change we experience in the world.
How does Aristotle disagree with Plato’s view on immorality?
Aristotle argues that merely knowing what is good is not enough; one must cultivate virtue to act morally.
What is Aristotle’s criticism of the idea of a single form of the good?
He claims that goodness varies across different contexts (e.g., military strategy vs. medicine), making it difficult to define a unified form of good.
How does Plato counter Aristotle’s critique of the form of the good?
Plato argues that forms do not partake in anything except themselves, preventing an infinite regress.
What is a weakness in Plato’s argument from recollection?
Justice and beauty are subjective concepts that vary across cultures and time periods.
How does Plato attempt to address the subjectivity of justice and beauty?
He uses mathematics as an example of perfect forms that are not subjective, like perfect circles and equal lines.
How does Hume critique Plato’s argument from recollection?
Hume argues that we can create the concept of perfection in our minds by negating imperfection, without needing a world of forms.
What alternative explanation exists for innate knowledge besides Plato’s world of forms?
Evolution could have programmed humans with a sense of morality and mathematical ability.
What is Aristotle’s idea of telos?
Telos refers to the purpose or final cause of an object or being.
How does Francis Bacon criticize Aristotle’s concept of telos?
He argues that telos has no place in empirical science because purpose is a metaphysical issue.
How does modern science challenge the idea of telos?
A deterministic universe following the laws of physics does not require purpose to explain change.
How do modern Christian philosophers counter the rejection of telos?
They argue that science explains “what” the universe is but not “why” it exists, meaning questions of purpose remain valid.
How does Richard Dawkins respond to the idea of purpose?
He claims that asking “why” in the context of purpose is a meaningless question because there is no evidence that life has a purpose beyond scientific explanation.
How does Sartre argue against objective purpose?
He claims that “existence precedes essence,” meaning humans must create their own purpose rather than follow a predetermined one.
What psychological explanation does Sartre give for why people believe in objective purpose?
He suggests people fear the freedom of defining their own purpose, leading to feelings of abandonment, anguish, and despair.
What is a criticism of Sartre’s argument against objective purpose?
Sartre’s argument is psychological, not metaphysical, and may commit the genetic fallacy by assuming that a belief’s origin determines its truth.
What is Aristotle’s concept of the prime mover?
The prime mover is an unmoved mover that causes motion in the universe without itself being moved.
How does Aristotle’s prime mover compare to a traditional God?
It is a non-Abrahamic, impersonal entity that only considers itself and draws everything towards its purpose.
How does Newton challenge Aristotle’s idea of motion?
Newton’s laws of motion show that objects in motion remain in motion unless acted upon by an external force, contradicting Aristotle’s belief that objects naturally come to rest.
How does modern science view Aristotle’s prime mover?
It rejects the need for a prime mover since physical laws can explain motion without requiring an external cause.
How are Aristotle’s prime mover and Plato’s form of the good similar?
Both are impersonal and not directly concerned with the world.
How do Aristotle’s prime mover and Plato’s form of the good differ?
The prime mover has a form of consciousness (though only capable of contemplating itself), while the form of the good lacks an explanation of consciousness.
