Metaphysics: Universals and Truth
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Questions and Answers

What does Platonism posit as necessary for understanding our world?

  • The existence of empirical evidence
  • The existence of universals (correct)
  • The existence of tropes
  • The rejection of metaphysics

Nominalism supports the need to posit the existence of universals.

False (B)

What is the key criterion proposed by Karl Popper to distinguish science from non-science?

Falsifiability

In the A-Theory vs. B-Theory debate, the A-Theory emphasizes the _____ of time.

<p>passage</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their definitions:

<p>Scientific Realism = The belief that science accurately describes the world Instrumentalism = The view that science is useful for predictions but not necessarily true Pessimistic Meta-Induction = The idea that many past theories have been false No-Miracles Argument = An argument that posits science must be approximately true to avoid being miraculous</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objection to Universalism regarding tropes?

<p>Tropes fail to account for similarity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hume argued that miracles violate natural laws and require sufficient evidence.

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

What critique did Gaunilo offer against Anselm's Ontological Argument?

<p>The example of the perfect island</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Platonism

The belief that abstract concepts, called universals, exist independently of the physical world and are necessary to explain our understanding of shared properties.

Nominalism

The view that universals do not exist independently, and shared properties are simply similarities between individual things.

Universal

An abstract concept that represents a shared property or characteristic, applicable to multiple instances.

Trope

A unique instance of a property, specific to a particular object.

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A-Theory of Time

The view that time is a series of distinct, changing moments. It acknowledges the past, present and future.

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B-Theory of Time

The view that time is a static block of all moments existing at once, without a special present.

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Scientific Realism

Belief that scientific theories accurately describe the actual world, even if we don't fully understand it.

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Instrumentalism

Science is a tool for prediction and control, not necessarily a reflection of reality.

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Study Notes

Metaphysics

  • Platonism: Posits the existence of universals to understand the world.
  • Nominalism: Rejects the need for universals to understand the world.
  • Truth in "The cat sat on the mat": Conditions necessary for truth of the statement.
  • Truth in "2+2=4": Conditions necessary for truth of the mathematical equation.
  • Platonism's Knowledge Problem: Fictionalism is one possible solution

Properties: Universals vs. Tropes

  • Universal: Explains properties through shared characteristics, e.g., redness.
  • Trope: Explains properties as unique instances, like a specific shade of black.
  • Universalism Objections: Trope theory disagrees with shared properties.
  • Trope Theory Objections: Universalists critique the coherence of similarity in tropes.

Temporal Relations

  • A-Theory vs. B-Theory: Different views on time's passage.

Philosophy of Science

  • Science: Distinguished between manifest and scientific images of the world.
  • Demarcation Problem: Defining what separates science from non-science.
  • Karl Popper: Proposed falsifiability as a criterion for science.
  • Modus Tollens: A logical structure: If P, then Q; not Q; therefore, not P.
  • Objections to Popper: Historical examples (Uranus' orbit) and the Duhem–Quine thesis.
  • Issues in Actual Practice: Challenges in applying scientific principles.

Scientific Realism vs. Instrumentalism

  • Scientific Realism: Scientific descriptions are real.
  • Instrumentalism: Science is a prediction tool, not necessarily truth-seeking.
  • Convergent Scientific Realism: Multiple theories explaining data.

Arguments Against Anti-Realism

  • No-Miracles Argument: Science wouldn't be successful if not approximately true.
  • Pessimistic Meta-Induction: Past scientific theories were false.

Philosophy of Religion

  • Anselm's Ontological Argument: Argues for God's existence through definition.

  • Gaunilo's Reply: Criticises Anselm with the 'perfect island' example.

  • Plantinga's Defense: Responds to Gaunilo.

  • God's Attributes: Omniscience, omnipotence, perfect goodness.

  • Hume's Responses: Critiques of the teleological argument and miracles.

  • Teleological Argument: God inferred from apparent design.

  • Miracles: Hume argues they violate natural laws and lack sufficient evidence.

  • Weighing Evidence: Hume's view on evaluating miracle claims.

  • Indirect Evidence for Miracles: Analyzing historical events as potential evidence.

  • Human Credulity: Humans tend to believe in miracles due to cultural narratives.

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Description

Explore key concepts in Metaphysics, including Platonism, Nominalism, and the nuances of universals versus tropes. This quiz delves into the conditions required for truth in statements and equations, as well as differing views on time. Test your understanding of these fundamental philosophical concepts.

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