Lecture 2: Introduction To Metaphysics And Arguments

Question 1

What is metaphysics?

Answer 1

• The study of existence and reality
• involves questions about being, the first cause, and the underlying principles of reality.

Question 2

What are the two major schools of thought in metaphysics?

Answer 2

• Materialism
• Idealism

Question 3

What does materialism propose about being?

Answer 3

• Being is made of material components
• Everything that exists is composed of matter/material

Question 4

What does idealism propose about being?

Answer 4

Being is made of something idealistic/spiritual

Question 5

What are the two forms of idealism?

Answer 5

• Objective idealism
• Subjective idealism

Question 6

What is objective idealism?

Answer 6

Reality exists independent of human consciousness and experience

Example : Big Bang

Question 7

What is subjective idealism?

Answer 7

Reality exists ensoular as it is created/understood/experienced by the human mind and God’s mind

Question 8

What is monism?

Answer 8

Being as consisting of one principle and basis for reality

Question 9

What is dualism?

Answer 9

Being as based in two fundamental categories: mind and body

Question 10

What do pluralist philosophers believe?

Answer 10

There are many beings/principles that make up reality

Question 11

What are Aristotle’s four causes?

Answer 11

• Material cause
• Formal cause
• Efficient cause
• Final cause

Question 12

What is the material cause according to Aristotle?

Answer 12

• What it comes from in terms of its constitution

Question 13

What is the formal cause according to Aristotle?

Answer 13

The blueprint/model/plan; the essential nature of a thing

Question 14

What is the efficient cause according to Aristotle?

Answer 14

The person or event that makes the thing happen

Question 15

What is the final cause according to Aristotle?

Answer 15

The telos/goal/purpose of a thing

Question 16

What is Aristotle’s concept of the ‘prime mover’?

Answer 16

A metaphysical necessity that is different than the Christian God

Question 17

What is the ultimate goal of Aristotle’s prime mover?

Answer 17

Contemplation itself

Question 18

What is a key metaphysical question regarding existence?

Answer 18

How many beings actually exist?

Question 19

What is causation?

Answer 19

The relationship between cause and effect

Question 20

What is a philosophical argument?

Answer 20

A collection of statements with one conclusion supported by premises

Question 21

What is the purpose of argument analysis?

Answer 21

To establish valid reasons for opinions

Question 22

True or False: Every philosophical question likely has an argument for and against it.

Answer 22

True

Question 23

What skills are important for thinking philosophically?

Answer 23

• Understanding arguments
• Reconstructing arguments
• Analyzing and evaluating arguments
• Making arguments

Question 24

What are some examples of metaphysical questions?

Answer 24

• What is the nature of reality?
• What is the relationship between mind and body?
• Are human decisions determined or freely made?
• Why are we here?
• What made us?

Question 25

Fill in the blank: An argument is a collection of statements, one of which is the ______.

Answer 25

[conclusion]

Question 26

What are the four explanatory factors for things according to Aristotle?

Answer 26

* Material cause * Formal cause * Efficient cause * Final cause