Abstract
This paper aims to explore the various positions in metaphysics and give a definition to the various thoughts in philosophy. All this is brought forward in an argumentative perspective in order to help one better understand the definition of metaphysics and reality , space , time and matter
Keywords: space , time , substance ,dualism , compatibilism.
Introduction
Aristotle describes substance as ultimate reality; therefore substance does not fall under any other category of being. The description of substance put forward by Aristotle is that it is an underlying reality. He characterizes substance as being material and formal reality that shows the relation in actuality and potentiality. (Schommers, 2012)
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The existence of any singular object is basically expressed by what it is i.e. its quality. A Substance has a close correlation with both matter and form hence it is said to be composed of the reality of particular things. The substance of something is the exact nature of it, therefore making the substance something particular to itself and is not possessed by any other; on the other hand the universal element is that which is possessed by individual things. (Aristotle. & Ross, 2000)
Aristotle distinguishes among three kinds of substances, basing it on if change can take place in their actual or potential being. Classification is done according to whether they are 1) changeable 2) material. But they may be either: imperishable or perishable the other kind of substance is unchangeable, non-material, non-physical, ‘immovable,’ eternal they may include ideas and numbers. (Aristotle. & Ross, 2000)
Plato places existence into two realms: the transcendent realm and the material realm of forms. Separating a property of an object from the object and considering it by itself, and you come up with a form. Thus, form can be described as an abstract quality or property. So when we talk of material and immaterial realms we basically try to answer the question ‘is something existent in space and time?’ For example when we see a specific table for the first time how then do we instinctively identify it as a table! (Wee & Pelczar, 2008)
Metaphysical Commitment
Two reality states make up the dualistic perspective: immaterial and material. Dualism is also seen as the capacity which the body and mind are in when observed through the lenses of a philosophical mind. Dualism is categorized into two: 1) Substance Dualism which argues from the perspective of the independence of the mind. 2) Property Dualism argues that the mind is a collection of single traits that arise from the brain, but it is not a distinct substance. Thus suggests that organized matter leads to emergences of mental qualities for example (how the human bodies are organized. (Vicari, 2008)
Contrast between Monigism and Dualism
In lay terms, monism is merely the belief that all in all the brain and mind are one and the same, while dualists hold that the two are separate. These two approaches have their effects on theory as well as on philosophy. For instance, if the brain stands alone, then the concept of a soul is to be considered invalid? (Wee & Pelczar, 2008)
Idealism can be viewed in terms of monism where mental and the physical substance is not apart, but it is the versa of the normal monistic approach which is that the physical is a moving part of the mental. This view stems out as a denial of physics, but the claim is that for an event and physical objects to emerge, they need to be in the mind and be perceived. The common monist perspective is the extreme reductionist that proposes everything in existence is physical hence our mental functions like thoughts and feelings may be explained by physical processes. (Schommers, 2012)
Dualism is often depicted as similar with belief in indeterminacy but in the real sense it is the utter contrast of indeterminacy. Dualism involves the belief that occurrences are very determinate. They are determined in section by the involvement of diathetes on matter and input of matter on matter. On the other hand, monism is the acceptance of unhelped matter on matter. But this is not the case, with dualism which holds the belief that diathetes act constantly on each material system. A dualist is therefore allowed to say that synergy between the two parts of reality may occurs sometimes and not on other occasions. (Schommers, 2012)
Metaphysical Question of the Reality of Immaterial Mind
Property dualism affirms the existence of a sole physical substance but pushes that this sole substance has other two probable properties which are the mental and physical states that cannot be truncated. The disparity is in ontology as well as language not only in the view of physical and mental alternates. This is similar to historical beliefs that organisms contain some 'vital force'. Importantly mental states are a bonus property of matter present in the brain. (Vicari, 2008) Property dualists propose that consciousness is as a result of the physical working of the brain thus mental attributes are a factor of physical properties, but have no follow through themselves on the physical attributes, making it a single lane relationship. (Vicari, 2008)
Property dualism and substance dualism are widely viewed as the two pillars of modern dualism. Substance dualism proposes that the soul is a distinct, non-physical singleton from the human design, while property dualism holds that there is no separation of the body and the soul but only a single article (the individual) which poses different types of properties which is either physical or mental. (Aristotle. & Bostock, 1994)
Cardinally, property dualism is the progress of substance dualism, and holds considerable advantages over physicalism. Foremost, by virtue of possessing a single substance it evades the complications of association and location affiliated with non-spatial Cartesian mental body. Secondly, it is not held down in religious beliefs but has an expanded scientific outlook based on Descartes' theory. Thirdly, property dualism in harmony with Descartes' propositions, that the mind possesses abilities different from the body hence acquiring the benefits while discarding the setbacks. Lastly, property dualism is adaptable with progress in brain science in sync with materialist theories, therefore seemingly developing a 'best of both worlds' plot. (LANDY, 2011)
Metaphysical principle of causation
Compatibilism proposes an answer to the free will dilemma, which involves a contested incompatibility surrounding free will and determinism. Compatibilism is the presumption that free will is in congruence with determinism. Compatibilsm proposes that there ought to be a deterministic link enclosed by our actions and our will. Allowing us to assume culpability for our actions, including applause for the good and retrospection for the bad. (LANDY, 2011)
A large feeling of freedom assumes that we are free, not to do as we want, but to do contrary to what we are intended to do. This hence, pushes that the reasons for our actions are not cast in stone by natural laws. The non-physical nature of the mind as proposed by the dualistic perspective suggests that it is not held back by the physical limits that govern the body. So, a staunch sense of free will is congruent with dualism but incongruent with materialism. Therefore freedom is needed for moral approval and rating. An argument can hence be put forward that dualism is fitting to compatibilsm than monism (Wee & Pelczar, 2008)
Determinism is the thought that everything happens because laws of nature collaborate with past and future events. It conflicts the Libertarian view as the past occurred in a certain pattern, then a pattern for the future emerges. Compatibilism provides a neutral ground for the existence of free will and determinism. There is a singular road to the present, made by our decisions, thus making choices concerning our futures obsolete; this guarantees only a single inevitable outcome (Wee & Pelczar, 2008)
Conclusion
Taking a stand on philosophical maters can be a slippery slope and requires keen considerations in ones part to choose the best idea that suites an individual. Space time and matter provide for our daily interactive surfaces so hence considering them in our thought processes to answer the question do I exist for them or they exist for me is part and parcel of our humanity.
References
Aristotle, & Bostock, D. (1994). Aristotle metaphysics (1st ed.). Oxford [England]: Clarendon Press.
Aristotle., & Ross, W. (2000). Metaphysics (1st ed.). Raleigh, N.C.: Alex Catalogue.
LANDY, D. (2011). DESCARTES' COMPOSITIONAL THEORY OF MENTAL REPRESENTATION. Pacific Philosophical Quarterly , 92 (2), 214-231. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0114.2011.01394.x
Schommers, W. (2012). Cosmic secrets (1st ed.). Hackensack, NJ: World Scientific.
Vicari, G. (2008). Beyond conceptual dualism (1st ed.). Amsterdam: Rodopi.
Wee, C. & Pelczar, M. (2008). Descartes' Dualism and Contemporary Dualism. The Southern Journal Of Philosophy , 46 (1), 145-160. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.2041- 6962.2008.tb00073.x
