Book Alpha: Outlines "first philosophy", a knowledge of the first principles or causes of things. Historical survey of previous philosophies from Thales to Plato, especially their treatment of causes. Little alpha: Further remarks on how to search for truth. Beta: A listing of metaphysical puzzles (aporiai), proposed for consideration but not definitively answered; e.g., does anything exist apart from individual things? Gamma: Starts on "the science of being qua being", in particular the principle of non-contradiction. Delta ("philoso ...

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Metaphysics Aristotle, Metaphysics Aristotle - Title date and predecessors, Metaphysics Aristotle - Summary, Metaphysics Aristotle - Style, Metaphysics Aristotle - Bibliography

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Fractal mysticism is the loosest and least rigorous of the three types. In it, fractal artworks are used as a framework for spiritual journeys, much in the same way as are mandalas. The ideas, terms and concepts of chaos theory are used as inspiration, but little effort is made to create solid correlations. Recursive shapes such as fractals have been a favorite of mystics for quite a long time, as (for example) the "wheel within a wheel" of the Biblical prophet Ezekiel or ...

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Fractal metaphysics, Fractal metaphysics - Fractal Mysticism, Fractal metaphysics - Fractal Metaphor, Fractal metaphysics - Fractal Philosophy, Fractal metaphysics - Fractal Theism

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Finally, there is a small but growing group of thinkers who are trying to apply fractal geometry and chaos mathematics directly and rigorously to non-physical ideas such as virtue, motivation, community, purpose, social structure and so forth. In Plato's classic work The Republic, the noble city is described as having the same tripartite structure as the soul of a single noble inhabitant of that same city. This can be described geometrically as a large shape made of small copies of itself --a description that also h ...

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Fractal metaphysics, Fractal metaphysics - Fractal Mysticism, Fractal metaphysics - Fractal Metaphor, Fractal metaphysics - Fractal Philosophy, Fractal metaphysics - Fractal Theism

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Metaphysical Gymnastics

The fine art of leaping from an unverified assumption to a foregone conclusion, without traversing the logical space in between. See Theology.

(See also: Metaphysical Gymnastics  , Pagan, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

Dynamism is term of philosophy and science coined by Gottfried Leibniz (1646—1716) and developed into a full system of cosmology. The Dynamism idea in metaphysical cosmology explains the material world in terms of active, pointlike forces, with no extension but with action at a distance Dynamism describes that what exists are simple elements, or for Leibniz, monads, and groups of elements which have only the essence of forces. It was developed as a reaction against the passive view of matter in philisophical mechanism. Interaction between elements takes place without contact, through modes or even harmonics of motion, ...

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Dynamism, Dynamism - Metaphysics, Dynamism - Futurism, Dynamism - Libertarianism, Dynamism - Electronics Retailer

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The title of the work is Τῶν μετὰ τὰ φύσικα (literally, "of the things after physics"). This is generally supposed to mean that this is just a collection of works that later editors placed after Aristotle's treatises on physics, but it may well mean that the budding philosopher should study these subjects after studying physical matters such as motion, time, and animal life. It was probably written while Aristotle was teaching at the Lyceum, i.e. between 336 and 323 B.C. Earlier Greek philosoph ...

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Metaphysics Aristotle, Metaphysics Aristotle - Title date and predecessors, Metaphysics Aristotle - Summary, Metaphysics Aristotle - Style, Metaphysics Aristotle - Bibliography

Read more here: » Metaphysics Aristotle: Encyclopedia II - Metaphysics Aristotle - Title date and predecessors

The Way of Truth discusses that which is real, which contrasts in some way with the argument of the Way of Seeming, which discusses that which is illusory. Under the Way of Truth, Parmenides stated that there are two ways of inquiry: that it is, that it is not. He said that the latter argument is never feasible because nothing can not be and be an object of speech and thought: For never shall this prevail, that things that are not are. Thinking and th ...

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Parmenides, Parmenides - Teachings, Parmenides - Metaphysics, Parmenides - Works, Parmenides - References and Further Reading

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The Way of Truth discusses that which is real, which contrasts in some way with the argument of the Way of Seeming, which discusses that which is illusory. Under the Way of Truth, Parmenides stated that there are two ways of inquiry: that it is, that it is not. He said that the latter argument is never feasible because nothing can not be and be an object of speech and thought: For never shall this prevail, that things that are not are. Thinking and th ...

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Parmenides, Parmenides - Teachings, Parmenides - Metaphysics, Parmenides - Perception and Concepts, Parmenides - Works, Parmenides - References and Further Reading

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Platonism has traditionally been interpreted as a form of metaphysical dualism, sometimes referred to as Platonic or Exaggerated Realism. According to this reading, Plato's metaphysics divides the world into two distinct aspects: the intelligible world of "forms", and the perceptual world we see around us. The perceptual world consists of imperfect copies of the intelligible forms or ideas. These forms are unchangeable and perfect, and are only comprehensible by the use of the intellect or understanding—i ...

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Plato, Plato - Biography, Plato - Work, Plato - Themes, Plato - Form and basis, Plato - Metaphysics, Plato - Epistemology, Plato - The state, Plato - Platonic scholarship, Plato - Bibliography, Plato - By tetralogy, Plato - Stephanus pagination, Plato - Loeb Classical Library

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Platonism has traditionally been interpreted as a form of metaphysical dualism, sometimes referred to as Platonic or Exaggerated Realism. According to this reading, Plato's metaphysics divides the world into two distinct aspects: the intelligible world of "forms", and the perceptual world we see around us. The perceptual world consists of imperfect copies of the intelligible forms or ideas. These forms are unchangeable and perfect, and are only comprehensible by the use of the intellect or understanding—i ...

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Plato, Plato - Biography, Plato - Work, Plato - Themes, Plato - Form and basis, Plato - Metaphysics, Plato - Epistemology, Plato - The state, Plato - Platonic scholarship, Plato - Bibliography, Plato - By tetralogy, Plato - Stephanus pagination, Plato - Chronology, Plato - Middle Dialogues, Plato - Loeb Classical Library

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The scientific usage of the term biophoton has been overtaken by several pseudoscientific groups, new-age groups, etc. Some claim that this so-called biophotonism has its roots in German branches of the "New Age" movement of the 1970s. This biophoton movement has resulted in a large number of business companies in the health care sector, which provide "highly advanced" medicine, such as information-loaded water. This exploits and perhaps even misuses what is understood and conjectured about biophotons. Because of this, it has at times been difficult to parse the real scie ...

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Biophoton, Biophoton - Scientific usage, Biophoton - History, Biophoton - A model for random emissions, Biophoton - Hypothesized involvement in cellular communication, Biophoton - Metaphysics

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Pirsig began college as a chemistry student, and dropped out after concluding that the ultimate answers to life were not to be found in science. He soon began to look to philosophy to search for answers. In 1950, while studying philosophy at Benares Hindu University, Pirsig came across the Sanskrit doctrine of Tat tvam asi -- in his words, "Thou art that, which asserts that everything you think you are (Subjective) and everything you think you perceive (Objective) are undivided. To fully realize this lack of division is to become enlightened." The n ...

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Metaphysics of Quality, Metaphysics of Quality - Robert M. Pirsig, Metaphysics of Quality - Howard T. Odum, Metaphysics of Quality - Development of Pirsig's thought, Metaphysics of Quality - The MOQ according to Pirsig, Metaphysics of Quality - Quality, Metaphysics of Quality - Books

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The MOQ divides Quality into two forms: static quality patterns (patterned) and Dynamic Quality (unpatterned). The four patterns of static value as well as Dynamic Quality account exhaustively for all of reality. As the initial (cutting edge) Dynamic Quality become habituated, it turns into static patterns. It is important to note that Pirsig is not proposing a duality: Quality is one, yet manifests itself diffe ...

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Metaphysics of Quality, Metaphysics of Quality - Robert M. Pirsig, Metaphysics of Quality - Howard T. Odum, Metaphysics of Quality - Development of Pirsig's thought, Metaphysics of Quality - The MOQ according to Pirsig, Metaphysics of Quality - Quality, Metaphysics of Quality - Books

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General agent of the metaphysical voluntarism is Arthur Schopenhauer. The will is not reasonable in its core for him, but more irrationally, useless dark, driveful urge, in relation to which the intellect represents a secondary phenomenon. The will is actually the thing, core and nature of all reality. This putting out of the drive-detention-vital dynamics has influenced Friedrich Nietzsche (as will to power), Eduard ...

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Voluntarism, Voluntarism - Medieval Voluntarism, Voluntarism - Metaphysical Voluntarism, Voluntarism - Realization and Science Theory, Voluntarism - Politics

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Metaphysically, Samkhya maintains a radical duality between spirit/consciousness (Purusha) and matter (Prakrti). All physical events are considered to be manifestations of the evolution of Prakrti, or primal nature (from which all physical bodies are derived). Each sentient being is a Purusha, and is limitless and unrestricted to its body. Bondage arises when the Purusha is misled as to its own identity and confuses itself with the physical body. The spirit is liberated with the realization that it i ...

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Samkhya, Samkhya - Epistemology, Samkhya - The metaphysics of Samkhya

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Why should we want to act morally, that is, why should we will in a rationally consistent manner? Why can't I make an exception of my self and for my case? Kant's arguments stem from the concept of freedom. Kant argues that the very idea of morality, the limiting of yourself from engaging in certain behaviors because they are 'immoral', is the highest expression of the concept of freedom. The on ...

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Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals, Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - Examples From the Abstract to the Concrete, Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - Lying, Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - Kant's Argument: Autonomy and Freedom, Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - The Categorical Imperative

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Kant uses the same four examples throughout the Groundwork: 1) that of someone sick of life, contemplating suicide, 2) that of someone wanting to tell a lying promise so as to secure a loan (one he does not intend to repay), 3) that of someone inclined to waste some special talent she has, and 4) that one might be devoid of altruistic feeling. Moreover, in 'On A Supposed Right to Lie because of Philanthropic Concerns', we get an example that argues for an absolute prohibition against lying -- even if it is likely to lead to another's death. We may adapt and modify som ...

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Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals, Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - Examples From the Abstract to the Concrete, Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - Lying, Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - Kant's Argument: Autonomy and Freedom, Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - The Categorical Imperative

Read more here: » Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals: Encyclopedia II - Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - Examples From the Abstract to the Concrete

Kant uses the same four examples throughout the Groundwork: 1) that of someone sick of life, contemplating suicide, 2) that of someone wanting to tell a lying promise so as to secure a loan (one he does not intend to repay), 3) that of someone inclined to waste some special talent she has, and 4) that one might be devoid of altruistic feeling. Moreover, in 'On A Supposed Right to Lie because of Philanthropic Concerns,' we get an example that argues for an absolute prohibition against lying -- even if it is likely to lead to another's death. We may adapt and modify som ...

See also:

Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals, Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - Examples From the Abstract to the Concrete, Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - Lying, Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - Kant's Argument: Autonomy and Freedom, Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - The Categorical Imperative

Read more here: » Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals: Encyclopedia II - Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals - Examples From the Abstract to the Concrete

Panpsychism does not necessarily imply idealism - the metaphysical view that mind is the fundamental constituent of reality (a view that reduces matter to mind - a type of monism). Eliminative Materialism, the view that there is no such thing as mind, but only matter- is incompatible with panpsychism. Materialism generally, the view that ultimately there is only matter, is compatible with panpsychism just in case the property of mindedness is attributed to matter. Hylopathism argues for just this att ...

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Panpsychism, Panpsychism - Relation to metaphysical positions, Panpsychism - In the history of philosophy, Panpsychism - In the Psychoanalytic Tradition, Panpsychism - Other manifestations

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Aristotle - Aristotle's four causes. Aristotle names four "causes" of things, but the word cause (Greek: αἰτἱα, aitia) is not used in the modern sense of "cause and effect", under which causes are events or states of affairs. Rather, the four causes are like different ways of explaining something: The Material Cause (That from which it comes) This is the material that makes up an object, for example, "the br ...

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Aristotle, Aristotle - Biography, Aristotle - Early life and studies at the Academy, Aristotle - Aristotle as philosopher and tutor, Aristotle - Founder and master of the Lyceum, Aristotle - Methodology, Aristotle - Aristotle's epistemology, Aristotle - Logic, Aristotle - Science, Aristotle - Aristotle's metaphysics, Aristotle - Aristotle's four causes, Aristotle - The difference between natural objects and artifacts, Aristotle - Modes of causation, Aristotle - Chance, Aristotle - The Five Elements, Aristotle - Aristotle's ethics, Aristotle - Nicomachean ethics, Aristotle - Aristotle's critics, Aristotle - Aristotle's mistake, Aristotle - Bibliography, Aristotle - Major works, Aristotle - Specific editions, Aristotle - Named after Aristotle

Read more here: » Aristotle: Encyclopedia II - Aristotle - Aristotle's metaphysics

Aristotle - Aristotle's four causes. Aristotle names four "causes" of things, but the word cause (Greek: αἰτἱα, aitia) is not used in the modern sense of "cause and effect", under which causes are events or states of affairs. Rather, the four causes are like different ways of explaining something: The Material Cause (That from which it comes) This is the material that makes up an object, for example, "the br ...

See also:

Aristotle, Aristotle - Biography, Aristotle - Early life and studies at the Academy, Aristotle - Aristotle as philosopher and tutor, Aristotle - Founder and master of the Lyceum, Aristotle - Methodology, Aristotle - Aristotle's epistemology, Aristotle - Logic, Aristotle - Science, Aristotle - Aristotle's metaphysics, Aristotle - Aristotle's four causes, Aristotle - The difference between natural objects and artifacts, Aristotle - Modes of causation, Aristotle - Chance, Aristotle - The Five Elements, Aristotle - Aristotle's ethics, Aristotle - Nicomachean ethics, Aristotle - Aristotle's critics, Aristotle - The Loss of his works, Aristotle - Bibliography, Aristotle - Major works, Aristotle - Specific editions, Aristotle - Named for Aristotle

Read more here: » Aristotle: Encyclopedia II - Aristotle - Aristotle's metaphysics

Aristotle - Aristotle's four causes. Aristotle names four "causes" of things, but the word cause (Greek: αἰτἱα, aitia) is not used in the modern sense of "cause and effect", under which causes are events or states of affairs. Rather, the four causes are like different ways of explaining something: The Material Cause (That from which it comes) This is the material that makes up an object, for example, "the br ...

See also:

Aristotle, Aristotle - Biography, Aristotle - Early life and studies at the Academy, Aristotle - Aristotle as philosopher and tutor, Aristotle - Founder and master of the Lyceum, Aristotle - Methodology, Aristotle - Aristotle's epistemology, Aristotle - Logic, Aristotle - Science, Aristotle - Aristotle's metaphysics, Aristotle - Aristotle's four causes, Aristotle - The difference between natural objects and artifacts, Aristotle - Modes of causation, Aristotle - Chance, Aristotle - The Five Elements, Aristotle - Aristotle's ethics, Aristotle - Nicomachean ethics, Aristotle - Aristotle's critics, Aristotle - The Loss of his works, Aristotle - Aristotle's mistake, Aristotle - Bibliography, Aristotle - Major works, Aristotle - Specific editions, Aristotle - Named for Aristotle

Read more here: » Aristotle: Encyclopedia II - Aristotle - Aristotle's metaphysics