Philosophy of the Human Person: Plato's Scission

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Questions and Answers

What does Plato's scission primarily involve?

The merging of different realities into one.

Dividing elements of reality into distinct categories. (correct)

Focusing solely on the physical world.

Ignoring the complexities of philosophical issues.

Why does philosophy require a systematic method according to Plato?

To hasten the learning process.

To simplify all philosophical concepts.

To effectively address abstract concepts and fundamental questions. (correct)

To eliminate all forms of debate and questioning.

How does Plato characterize the physical world in relation to true reality?

As a shadow of a higher, more perfect reality. (correct)

As the only form of existence.

As a perfect reflection of true reality.

As equally valid as the World of Forms.

What are Forms in Plato's philosophy?

The perfect, non-physical essences of things. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the perception of a tree, according to Plato's theory?

It is an inaccurate reflection of its true essence. Signup and view all the answers

What does the World of Forms represent in Plato's philosophy?

The essence and true nature of concepts. Signup and view all the answers

According to Plato, what is the essence of a circle found in the World of Forms?

The theoretical perfect version of a circle. Signup and view all the answers

Which method does Plato highlight as essential for philosophical inquiry?

Dialectic through dialogue and questioning. Signup and view all the answers

What does transcendental reduction aim to achieve?

A psychological examination of consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Gabriel Marcel referred to as the 'philosopher of the concrete'?

He valued lived experiences over abstract discussions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of primary reflection in Marcel's philosophy?

To solve problems through detached analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle mean by 'individual substance' in relation to the human person?

Each person is a distinct and unique entity. Signup and view all the answers

What is central to Aristotle's conception of human nature?

The capacity for reason and intellect. Signup and view all the answers

How does Marcel's approach differ from Cartesian thinking?

It emphasizes active participation over detached analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does suspending judgment have in transcendental phenomenology?

It allows for an exploration of the essence of objects. Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, what is the ultimate goal of human life?

Achieving eudaimonia through rationality and virtue. Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle suggest is the basis of virtue?

Moderation, known as the Golden Mean. Signup and view all the answers

In Marcel's view, what contributes significantly to a meaningful existence?

Active involvement and participation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following virtues exemplifies the concept of the Golden Mean?

Bravery in the face of danger. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of Marcel's criticism of philosophical thought?

Promoting generalization and abstraction. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human experience does transcendental phenomenology primarily investigate?

The subjective nature of conscious experience. Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle propose individuals achieve a fulfilling life?

By consistently developing intellectual and moral capacities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a virtue essential for achieving eudaimonia according to Aristotle?

Greed. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes humans from animals according to Aristotle's philosophy?

The possession of a rational nature. Signup and view all the answers

What does secondary reflection primarily seek to recover?

Concrete experiences and authenticity Signup and view all the answers

What is central to Marcel's concept of the embodied subject?

Active participation in the world Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical approach does Marcel's thought primarily blend with?

Phenomenology and existentialism Signup and view all the answers

What does Sartre mean by saying, 'Man is condemned to be free'?

Freedom is a burden rather than a blessing Signup and view all the answers

In terms of human essence, what does Sartre argue differentiates humans from other animals?

Humans define themselves through choices Signup and view all the answers

How does Marcel criticize traditional forms of thinking?

By highlighting their abstract nature Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical theme does Sartre notably not emphasize?

Objective morality as a constant Signup and view all the answers

What does secondary reflection use to understand subjects?

Concrete examples and models Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary rejection made by both Existentialism and Phenomenology regarding reality?

Reality is constructed through human consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Existentialism differ from Phenomenology in its approach?

Existentialism makes normative claims about how individuals should live. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following themes does Existentialism explicitly engage with?

Death and despair Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the methodological approach of Phenomenology?

It analyzes human consciousness and experience descriptively. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the theme of freedom in Existentialism?

The individual responsibility that accompanies human freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What can be said about the relationship between freedom and the state in political philosophy?

Freedom is central to discussions about the nature of the state. Signup and view all the answers

How does Existentialism generally address the search for meaning?

Through the exploration of personal experiences and choices. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is NOT mentioned as influential in discussions of freedom within political philosophy?

Friedrich Nietzsche Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of existentialism?

Exploring individuality, choice, and authenticity Signup and view all the answers

What does Sartre mean by 'condemned to be free'?

Individuals must make choices and face the responsibility for them Signup and view all the answers

How is 'bad faith' defined in Sartrean existentialism?

Denying one's freedom and adhering to societal expectations Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'anguish' play in existentialist philosophy?

It reflects the anxiety of making choices and facing responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'existence precedes essence' imply?

Individuals define their values and identities through their actions Signup and view all the answers

What is a central theme regarding freedom in existentialist thought?

Authenticity in choices is essential for true freedom Signup and view all the answers

How does existentialism view the search for meaning in life?

Life is meaningless, and individuals must create their own meaning Signup and view all the answers

What does Sartre suggest about values and ethical choices?

Individuals have the freedom to choose their own values and ethics Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Philosophy of the Human Person

This lecture introduces the concept of Plato's scission
This involves separating elements of reality or knowledge to better understand their nature and relationships.
It helps clarify complex philosophical issues by breaking them into more manageable parts.
Plato's method often involves dialectic (dialogue or debate) to examine ideas, clarify concepts, and understand philosophical issues.
Plato argued that the physical world is not the true reality, but only a reflection of a higher, perfect reality.
Plato believed the physical world is constantly changing while the deeper essence of things remains constant and perfect.
The world of forms is where true reality exists, represented by perfect versions of objects or concepts.
Example: the perfect circle exists, even though imperfect circles exist in reality
Forms are eternal and unchanging, distinct from the physical world.
Plato's theory of Forms emphasized the duality of body and soul
Plato divided the soul into three distinct parts : rational, spirited, and appetitive.

Aristotle's Theory of Substance

Aristotle rejected Plato's dualism, proposing that the real world is the physical world.
Aristotle believed true knowledge comes from empirical observation.
Aristotle believed that everything in the world is composed of matter and form.
Matter is the physical aspect of an object while form is its essence.
Primary substances are individuals, while secondary substances are general categories
For example, a particular human being is a primary substance, while humanity is a secondary substance.
Aristotle's theory of substance applied to human beings, suggesting that a person is a compound of body and soul.
Matter is the body and form is the rational soul.

Theory of Substance in relation to the notion of Hylomorphism

Human beings are composed of both a physical aspect (body) and a non-material aspect (rational soul).
Both components are important for true understanding of human nature.

Plato's View: Human Person

Plato believed a person is essentially a soul, not merely a physical body.
The soul is the essence of being human.
Plato divided the soul into three parts: rational, spirited, and appetitive.
The rational soul is the seat of reason and wisdom.
The spirited soul is the source of courage and willpower.
The appetitive soul is the center of desires and instincts.

Theory of Virtue (Ethics)

Aristotle believed that being human involved living a life of rationality and virtue, striving for eudaimonia (happiness).
Achieving eudaimonia involves living a virtuous life through moderation.
This involves finding a balance between extremes, known as the Golden Mean.

St. Augustine of Hippo

Augustine believed the human person is primarily a soul (immortal and divine).
The body is temporary and mortal.
The soul's ultimate destiny is union with God.
The Imago Dei (image of God) implies that humans have unique, special traits connect to the divine.
Augustine emphasized the soul's moral and spiritual nature, viewing it as the seat of moral discernment, free will, and spiritual growth.
Augustine believed the ultimate purpose of human life is seeking union with God.

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas believed the human person is a composite of body and soul.
The soul is the substantial form of the body, giving it identity and life forces.
The soul is rational and immortal.
The soul is the source of human consciousness and intellect.
The soul and body work together to define a person.

Rene Descartes

Descartes' principle was "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am").
Descartes believed that while we can doubt everything, we cannot doubt the fact that we are thinking beings.
Descartes viewed the thinking self as the defining element of the human person.
He contrasted the thinking self (res cogitans) with the physical world (res extensa).

Immanuel Kant

Kant's philosophy focused on a person's duty as a moral agent.
Kant emphasized moral agency based on rational autonomy and the ability to create moral principles.
Kant's categorical imperative guides individuals in moral decision making.
It implies individuals must act in ways that could become universal laws.
Individuals are rational, and they should apply reason to create moral laws.

Søren Kierkegaard

Kierkegaard emphasized the importance of individual choice, subjective truth, and the personal journey in life.
His ideas are often framed within the stages of life, aesthetic, ethical, and religious.

Friedrich Nietzsche

Nietzsche critiqued traditional moral values, which he labeled “slave morality.”
He believed that individuals should cultivate a "will to power" to strive for self-improvement.
Nietzsche discussed the concept of Ubermensch (Overman) - an idealized individual who transcends traditional morality.

Phenomenology and Maurice Merleau-Ponty

Merleau-Ponty's philosophy focused on lived-experience as central to understanding the human person.
Merleau-Ponty connected the body and the world.
Merleau-Ponty felt lived-experience was the basis of knowledge and understanding.

Phenomenology and Edmund Husserl

Husserl pioneered a phenomenological method for understanding human consciousness.
Husserl emphasized the importance of bracketing assumptions and describing experiences without bias.

Existentialism and Jean-Paul Sartre

Sartre asserted that "man is condemned to be free,"
Sartre's philosophy highlighted the anguish and responsibility involved in making decisions.
The concept of freedom was central to Sartre's philosophy.
Individuals are free to define themselves, making choices and taking responsibility for creating their own essence.
Sartre emphasized "existence precedes essence." That an individual exists first and then creates their own nature and essence based on their life choices.
The concept of "bad faith" highlights Sartre's concern about evading the responsibility in life.

Freedom and Determinism

Determinism is the philosophical position that all events, including human actions, are predetermined by past causes.
Hard determinism argues that free will is an illusion,
Soft determinism suggests that although factors influence behavior, individuals still possess some degree of free will.
Indeterminacy in quantum mechanics challenges a deterministic view of the universe.
The challenge of human agency is questioned under the constraints of determinism.
Challenges to freedom come from external constraints such as social economic, or political factors.

Types of Freedom

Physical freedom involves the ability to travel, explore, and move freely.
Psychological freedom includes freedom of thought, emotions, and intellectual pursuits.
Moral freedom concerns the right to hold beliefs and act accordingly.
Political freedom involves the ability to participate in society and politics.
Existential freedom centers on the quest for meaning and purpose and exercising authentic choice in life's events.

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Description

This quiz delves into Plato's concept of scission, where elements of reality and knowledge are separated for deeper understanding. It highlights Plato's belief in the duality of the physical world and the realm of Forms, emphasizing how dialectic methods are used to clarify philosophical ideas. Explore the essence of true reality as presented by Plato and the implications of his theories.