Self, Death and the After Life Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is the nature and existence of the soul?
The exploration of whether the soul exists and its characteristics
This includes discussions on dualism and monism.
What is Descartes’ argument for the existence of the soul?
The assertion that the mind is distinct from the body, supporting dualism
Descartes argued for the soul’s existence based on the ability to doubt and think.
What is the body/soul relationship?
The interaction and distinction between the physical body and the non-physical soul
What is the possibility of continuing personal existence after death?
The philosophical inquiry into whether individuals can exist in some form after physical death
What are the sources of wisdom and authority in philosophy?
Concepts related to God/gods/ultimate reality
What is the distinction between dualistic and monistic views of human nature?
Dualistic view: two aspects (body and soul); Monistic view: one substance (physical body)
What is Plato’s belief about the soul?
The soul is immaterial, pre-existent, and immortal, with the potential for reincarnation
What does Aristotle believe about the soul?
The soul is integral to the body, animating it and cannot exist without it
Fill in the blank: Dual aspect monism suggests that the soul and body are _______.
two aspects of the same reality
What are the implications of a dualistic view regarding life after death?
The belief in an eternal soul that continues after the physical body dies
What is the Aristotelian view of the soul compared to the Platonic view?
Aristotle sees the soul as the animating principle of the body; Plato sees it as a separate, eternal entity
True or False: Monists believe in the existence of a non-physical soul.
False
What is the philosophical problem regarding mind and body?
Whether they are one of the same nature (monistic) or have two natures (dualistic)
What is objective immortality?
The belief in an impersonal continuation of existence after death
What is the main distinction between Plato’s and Aristotle’s views on the soul?
Plato views the soul as separate and eternal; Aristotle sees it as integral to the body
What is the role of conscience in moral philosophy?
The inner sense of right and wrong that guides moral decision-making
What are the implications of reincarnation in philosophical discourse?
The belief that the soul is reborn into new bodies across different lifetimes
Fill in the blank: Descartes’ argument is primarily based on the idea of _______.
cogito ergo sum (I think, therefore I am)
What is interactionism in the context of body/soul relationships?
The theory that the mind and body influence each other
