Metaphysics and Epistemology Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the focus of metaphysics?

  • The investigation of the physical world through objective studies
  • The exploration of reality beyond the reach of sensory experience (correct)
  • The study of practical actions based on pre-informed motives
  • The analysis of human behavior in societal contexts
  • What is the literal meaning of the term 'metaphysics'?

  • The science of observable phenomena
  • The theory of knowledge
  • The study of the cosmos
  • Beyond the physical (correct)
  • Which branch of metaphysics specifically studies the nature of being and existence?

  • Epistemology
  • Rational psychology
  • Cosmology
  • Ontology (correct)
  • Cosmology, as a branch of metaphysics, is most concerned with:

    <p>The origin, structure, and composition of the universe (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of epistemology?

    <p>The theory of knowledge. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key question raised by epistemology concerning knowledge?

    <p>How can knowledge be acquired and justified? (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these topics falls into the realm of metaphysics?

    <p>The nature of space and time (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the philosophical understanding of 'knowledge' emphasize?

    <p>Factual evidence and justification (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosopher proposed that change occurs through the domination of particles, resulting in new entities?

    <p>Anaxagoras (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are atoms like in the theory of Democritus?

    <p>Atoms are indivisible and vary in shape and size. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the core idea behind the concept of causality?

    <p>The effect of one event on the production of another event. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why can we say that appearance differs from reality?

    <p>Because the same object can be interpreted differently by different observers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the 'material cause' in the context of causality?

    <p>It refers to the substance from which something is made. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the skepticism of Plato towards sensory perception?

    <p>He argued that senses only show us appearances, not true forms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, how do atoms interact to cause change, according to Democritus?

    <p>They collide and separate, leading to the creation and destruction of objects. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of the text, what is meant by 'the world of forms,' as mentioned by Plato?

    <p>A realm where the true essence of things exist, which is not perceivable. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a central question that the concepts of freewill and determinism have generated in the history of philosophy?

    <p>What are the limits of human agency and choice (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Ionians unanimously agree on regarding the nature of reality?

    <p>Reality is fundamentally one and made of one single substance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Ionian philosopher proposed that the basic substance of the universe was 'the infinite or indeterminate'?

    <p>Anaximander (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Idealists understand the concept of unity and diversity?

    <p>They proposed that reality as a unity manifesting itself in varied forms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Malebranche's occasionalism, what is the direct cause of mental events?

    <p>The omniscience of God. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significant difference between the monists and the pluralists regarding reality?

    <p>The pluralists deny the existence of unity in the universe while monists believe reality is ultimately one (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference between occasionalism and pre-established harmony?

    <p>Occasionalism posits a direct, moment-by-moment intervention by God, while pre-established harmony suggests a pre-ordained plan. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the persistent philosophical problem that is still being discussed?

    <p>The problem of understanding the interactions between the mind and the body. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Leibniz, how do the mind and body operate?

    <p>The mind and body operate independently according to God's pre-established plan. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosopher considered air to be the basic stuff of the universe?

    <p>Anaximenes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of 'facticity' refer to in the context of occasionalism?

    <p>The simultaneous contributions of both man and God in achieving an action. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference between the views of the earliest Ionians and the Idealists, as presented in the text?

    <p>The earliest Ionians believed in the unity, in the midst of diversity of all things while the idealist believes that reality manifests itself in many forms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the text what is the relationship between thinking and rationality?

    <p>Thinking is a prerequisite of rationality; however, rationality requires expanded mental operations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does human rationality differentiate humans from other animals, according to the text?

    <p>Humans are unique because of their thinking, rationality and communication abilities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of logic in philosophy, based on the context?

    <p>Using logic helps philosophy to move from simple thinking to higher levels of mental activity, including rationality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is illustrated by the mirage example in the section on 'Logic as a tool of philosophy'?

    <p>The reliance on pre-existing understanding and initial interpretation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    From which Greek word is 'logic' derived?

    <p>Logos (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary focus of logic, as described in the text?

    <p>Examining the nature of truth and the methods to reach it (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does logic seek to provide?

    <p>The rational justifications for all encounters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does artificial language play in logical processes?

    <p>To override ambiguity in logical thinking (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between thinking and reasoning based on the text?

    <p>Reasoning leads to further enquiries to ascertain facticity, while thinking is the base activity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the text identify as the limitation of logic?

    <p>Logic is confined to realms of human reasoning or mental activities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does logic attempt to determine regarding arguments?

    <p>What distinguishes a good argument from a bad one (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key function of logic involving the simplification and symbolization of sentences, according to the text?

    <p>to achieve a desired state of knowledge (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of logic, according to the text?

    <p>To assist in identifying errors in thinking and reasoning. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'to argue' mean?

    <p>To present reasons for or against an opinion or discourse. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the fundamental elements of an argument, based on the text?

    <p>Premises and a conclusion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of an argument, what is the role of the 'premises'?

    <p>To serve as evidence or justification for the conclusion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do propositions play in forming an argument?

    <p>They provide a roadmap for reaching conclusions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does logic contribute to advancements in technology?

    <p>By ensuring that conclusions drawn are valid. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of presenting evidence during an argument?

    <p>To provide support for an opinion or idea. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a typical argumentative structure, what role do the first two propositions usually play?

    <p>They serve as the premises of the argument. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Metaphysics

    The study of the fundamental nature of reality, going beyond what our senses can perceive.

    Ontology

    A branch of metaphysics that explores the nature of existence, including material and immaterial beings. It examines concepts like substance, essence, and accidents.

    Cosmology

    The branch of metaphysics that studies the universe, focusing on its structure, origin, and composition. It explores questions about the universe's creation and evolution.

    Epistemology

    The theory of knowledge, focusing on how we acquire knowledge and itsjustification. It explores questions about the nature of knowledge, its reliability, and limitations.

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    Practical Philosophy

    A practical application of philosophy, focusing on actions based on pre-determined motives.

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    Cosmological Outlook

    A system of beliefs or theories that explain the origin and development of the universe, often based on religious or philosophical perspectives.

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    Darwinism

    A theory of biological evolution that emphasizes the role of natural selection in shaping life forms over time.

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    Big Bang Theory

    A theory about the universe's origin, proposing that it began with a singular point of infinite density and temperature.

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    Unity and Diversity

    The philosophical debate about whether everything in the universe is fundamentally one thing or many things. It raises questions about how unity can exist in the face of diverse phenomena.

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    Monism

    The belief that reality is ultimately one, often attributed to a single substance or principle. Ancient Ionians like Thales thought everything was made of water, while Anaximander proposed an 'infinite' or 'indeterminate' substance.

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    Pluralism

    The opposite of monism. It argues for the existence of multiple, distinct substances or principles that make up reality. Pluralists disagreed with the notion that everything was one.

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    Mind-Body Interaction

    The philosophical problem of understanding how the mind and body interact. Does the mind control the body, or does the body influence the mind?

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    Determinism

    The idea that all events, including human actions, are predetermined and inevitable. There is no genuine free will.

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    Free Will

    The belief that humans have the ability to make choices freely, independent of external control. This is the opposite of determinism.

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    Change in Ancient Philosophy

    The idea that everything changes over time, and that new things come into existence through the combination of elements, while others disappear through separation.

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    Anaxagoras' Theory of Change

    Anaxagoras' belief that change is caused by the dominance of particles, which determine their unique features and form new particles.

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    Democritus' Atomic Theory of Change

    Democritus' explanation of change through the atomist theory, stating that atoms, the smallest, indivisible parts of matter, collide and separate in empty space, creating and destroying things.

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    Problem of Appearance and Reality

    The question of whether we perceive things as they truly are, or if our senses deceive us, creating an illusion of reality.

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    Skepticism of the Senses

    The belief that our senses are unreliable guides for understanding the true nature of the world.

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    Plato's Theory of Forms

    Plato's concept of an ideal world of forms, where true knowledge exists, separate from the imperfect world we perceive through our senses.

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    Causality

    The explanation of how one event influences or causes another event.

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    Material Cause

    The material or substance from which something is made, representing one of the four types of causes.

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    Occasionalism

    A philosophical theory by Nicholas Malebranche suggesting that God directly causes all mental events, even those seemingly triggered by physical events in the body. The body acts, God connects the action to the mind.

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    Pre-established Harmony

    A theory proposed by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz stating that God predetermined both physical events and mental states, creating a harmonious and synchronized interplay between them. The mind and body operate independently but according to a pre-established plan.

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    Rationality

    The ability to reason, think critically, and solve problems effectively. It involves the ability to go beyond simple thinking to engage in complex mental processes, such as analysis, judgment, and deduction.

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    Mirage

    An optical illusion that appears like a pool of water on a hot surface, often seen on roads or deserts.

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    What is 'arguing'?

    The process of providing reasons or evidence to support or oppose an opinion or idea.

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    What are 'premises'?

    Statements or propositions offered as reasons or evidence to support an argument.

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    What is a 'conclusion'?

    The proposition that is intended to be supported by the premises or evidence in an argument.

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    What is the 'nature of an argument'?

    The structured arrangement of premises that support a conclusion, ensuring logical flow and coherence.

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    Why is logic important for thinking?

    The process of using logical tools to identify and correct errors in reasoning.

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    How does logic ensure 'understanding'?

    Logic helps to ensure that conclusions reached are valid and supported by the evidence presented.

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    How is logic used in different fields?

    Using logical analysis and reasoning to reach valid conclusions in various fields, such as science, technology, and the arts.

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    What is the importance of logic in everyday life?

    Logic plays a vital role in promoting clarity and critical thinking, enhancing individual decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

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    What is Logic?

    The systematic study of reasoning, focusing on validity and soundness in arguments. It examines the structures of human thought and the rules for correct reasoning.

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    Logic and Truth

    Logic's primary goal is to identify accurate methods for arriving at truth. It involves analyzing and evaluating arguments to ensure they are logically sound.

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    Logic and Thinking

    Logic aims to analyze and understand how we think and reason. It examines various aspects of reasoning to identify fallacies and improve our reasoning abilities.

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    Logic and Symbolic Language

    Logic involves the systematic use of symbols and artificial languages to represent and analyze statements or propositions in a clear and unambiguous way.

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    Formal Logic

    Formal Logic focuses on structured and standardized forms of reasoning, using defined rules and symbols to evaluate arguments rigorously.

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    Scope of Logic

    Logic's scope encompasses various aspects of human reasoning and activities related to the mind. It helps us to understand, interpret, and analyze information.

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    Logic and Human Limitations

    Logic's ability to uncover truth is limited by the capacity of the human mind. Errors in reasoning or faulty thinking processes can hinder the quest for true knowledge.

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    Logic and Knowledge

    The quest for knowledge is often facilitated by logic. By applying logical reasoning, we can acquire and validate knowledge systematically.

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    Study Notes

    Course Code and Title

    • Course code: GST 211
    • Course title: Introduction to Philosophy, Logic, and Human Existence

    Course Requirements

    • 75% attendance recommended by the Nigerian Universities Commission for consideration of examination.
    • Examination graded at 70%
    • Class assessment (C.A) and mid-term assessment graded at 30%.

    Course Lecturer

    • Dr. Ezema Jane C.

    Course Overview

    • An interdisciplinary course exploring fundamental areas and questions that have challenged thinkers throughout history of human existence.
    • Surveys nature of philosophical thinking and critical thinking through logic.
    • Fosters commendable human relations within the community of existence.
    • Includes rigorous text analysis, discussions, and debates.

    Course Contents

    • Meaning of Philosophy
    • Scope of philosophy
    • Branches of philosophy
    • Notions of philosophy
    • Problems of philosophy
    • Logic as a tool of Philosophy
      • Arguments: nature, types, and forms
      • Elements of syllogism
      • Fallacies: formal and informal
      • Laws of thought
      • The nine rules of inference
      • Creative and critical thinking (activities)
    • The impact of philosophy on human existence
      • Philosophy and politics
      • Philosophy and religion
      • Philosophy and human values
      • Philosophy and human conduct
      • Philosophy and character molding, etc.
    • What Philosophy Means
      • Greek roots: "Philein" (love) and "Sophia" (wisdom)
      • Defined as "the love of wisdom".
      • Exploration of the meaning by various philosophers.
    • What is Philosophy?
      • Outstanding attempt by Socrates (469/470BCE-399BCE).
      • Philosophy begins with wondering.
      • Leading to various thoughts about a specific thing or things.
      • Plato and Rene Descartes also emphasized the importance of wondering.
      • Seeking wisdom in human dealings and challenges.
      • Doubting everything (methodical skepticism)
      • "Cognito ergo sum" ("I think, therefore, I am").
      • Understanding philosophy as wonder and curiosity about life's complexities.
    • Branches of Philosophy
    • The Branches of Philosophy
      • Speculative philosophy: metaphysics, ontology, and cosmology.
        • Metaphysics: beyond the physical; study of being and existence, including the nature of the human mind, space, time, and causality
          • Ontology: Study of beings (material and immaterial)
          • Cosmology: Study of the universe.
        • Epistemology: Theory of knowledge; investigating what knowledge is, how knowledge can be acquired and whether acquired knowledge can be doubted.
        • Logic: Science of reasoning; analyzing proposition structures for correct reasoning.
    • Practical order of philosophy: ethics, aesthetics, and axiology.
      • Ethics: (character, conduct or behaviour), study of human behaviour in relation to others.
      • Aesthetics: (perception of senses, beauty or ugliness etc), study of value judgements about art, evaluating the meaning of beauty, works of art, and the process of experiencing art.
      • Axiology: Study of quality or value.
    • Problems of Philosophy
      • Change and permanence
      • Appearance and reality
      • Causality
      • Freewill and determinism
      • Unity and diversity
      • Mind-body interaction
    • The Nature of an Argument
      • Analysis of propositions and premises
      • Relationship between premises and conclusion
    • Determining the Validity of an Argument
      • Examining logical flow and consistent reasoning
      • Distinguished between valid arguments (logical flow) and sound arguments (valid + true premises).
    • Categorical Syllogism
      • Made up of three propositions where the conclusion follows from the others.
      • Types of Categorical Propositions, (A, E, I, O)
        • Universal Affirmative, Universal Negative, Particular Affirmative, Particular Negatives

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