Metaphysics Flashcards
(36 cards)
Who were the Milesians and what did they believe in?
A group of philosophy which believes that change and permanence seemed a feature of Nature. Change was only apparent.
What was Heraclitus’ famous quote in regards to metaphysics?
“You cannot step into the same river twice.”
What did Heraclitus believe?
Change was the only reality.
What was Parmenides famous quote?
“Being is, non-being is not.”
What did Parmenides believe in?
Being is a permanent, unchanging part of reality.
What did Plato believe in regards to metaphysics?
That human beings belong to both the real and apparent world. We also possess a soul which directs our activities.
What did Epicurus believe in?
Epicurus believed that the world was composed of atoms and empty space. (“Atom”-“that which can not be divided”) The human mind is composed of soul atoms.
What did Aristotle write?
Physics and Metaphysics.
What does metaphysics mean?
Metaphysics means “after the physics.”
What are Aristotle’s four principles of cause?
1) Material cause - what is it that changes?
2) Formal cause - what does it change to?
3) Efficient cause - what makes the change?
4) Final cause - for what reason does it change?
What did reality consist of for Descartes?
God, the mind and matter.
What did Descartes write?
Principles of Philosophy.
Who wrote/said, “…things can exist only by the help of God.”
Descartes.
What is Cartesian Dualism and who created it?
Cartesian dualism is the relationship between the mind and body, created by Descartes.
What did Hobbes believe in?
That the physical world and the mental world are all materialistic.
What is a Monad and who created this concept?
A monad is a complete reproduction of the world. This concept was created by Leibniz.
What are the two realities according to Locke?
The only real existences we can know with any real certainty are God and ourselves.
What are the only two metaphysics theories according to Johann Fichte?
Idealism (reality in terms of mental causes) and materialism (reality in terms of physical causes)
What three truths exist according to Augustinian Thought?
1) Freedom of the will
2) Immortality of the soul
3) The existence of God
Who wrote the “Just War Doctrine?”
The catholic church
What reason does Augustine give for stealing the pear from the pear tree?
The pleasure from committing the crime.
According to Augustine every sin results in which two punishments?
Ignorance and difficulty.
What is metaphysics?
The study of the most fundamental principles of the nature of things.
What is free will?
The freedom of humans beings to create their own destiny.
