Aristotle’s Metaphysics: Core Concepts & Ethical Framework

Posted by on Sep 7, 2025 in Philosophy and ethics | 0 comments

Aristotle’s Metaphysics: Fundamental Divisions

Aristotle’s Metaphysics is fundamentally structured around three key divisions: the transcendental order, the categorical order, and theology.

The Transcendental Order

The transcendental order describes the universal predicates that different beings possess:

  • First Substance: These are the individual, independent things.
  • Unity: A being ceases to be itself if divided or added to.
  • Essence: That which cannot fail to be what it is. The first substance possesses
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Plato’s Core Philosophy: Knowledge, Soul, and Ideal State

Posted by on Sep 5, 2025 in Philosophy and ethics | 0 comments

Plato’s Simile of the Line: Levels of Knowledge

This section explains Plato’s Simile of the Line, outlining the steps the soul must follow to attain true knowledge. This is divided into doxa (opinion) and episteme (knowledge), each further subdivided into two levels:

Doxa: The World of Opinion

  • First Grade: Eikasia (Imagination)

    This involves perceiving shadows and images.

  • Second Grade: Pistis (Belief)

    Recognizing that behind these shadows and images are physical objects, perceived through the senses.

Episteme:

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Aristotle’s Core Philosophy: Nature, Ethics, Politics

Posted by on Sep 4, 2025 in Philosophy and ethics | 0 comments

Aristotle’s Philosophy: Nature and Change

While Plato possessed a mathematical mind, Aristotle approached philosophy with a biologist’s perspective, focusing on the nature and causes of phenomena. His conception of nature defines it as an internal principle of motion inherent in natural beings, distinguishing them from artificial ones. This perspective emphasizes the origin and teleology of natural processes, which appear to be preceded by an internal plan or finality that directs and manages their

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Plato and Aristotle: Contrasting Metaphysics and Epistemology

Posted by on Sep 1, 2025 in Philosophy and ethics | 0 comments

Plato vs. Aristotle: Ontological Dualism

For Plato, true reality resides in the World of Ideas. For him, the physical world is merely an imitation of these truly real ideas. The World of Ideas comprises concepts that are immutable, eternal, intelligible, and universal (inspired by Parmenides’ characteristics of Being). This world is apprehended through reason; the rational soul comes to know these values.

The physical world consists of sensible things perceived through the senses. These are finite,

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Descartes and Hume: Contrasting Views on Knowledge and Reality

Posted by on Sep 1, 2025 in Philosophy and ethics | 0 comments

Descartes’ Rationalism: Foundations of Knowledge

Methodical Doubt and the Cogito

Methodical doubt is applied to all knowledge, as all true knowledge must be differentiated from sleep. That which cannot be doubted is the fact that we think and the ability to do so.

The Existence of God

God is the guarantee of true knowledge. If the subject comes to understand and methodically assured knowledge, they can be sure that their thinking is real, since God cannot deceive us when we act with rationality.

The

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Philosophical Foundations: Hellenistic Thought and Cartesian Principles

Posted by on Sep 1, 2025 in Philosophy and ethics | 0 comments

Hellenism: 323 BC – 31 BC

Cynicism

  • School founded in Athens
  • Accept life according to nature (“like a dog”)
  • Despise conventionalisms
  • Advocate autarky (self-sufficiency, rejection of material possessions)

Diogenes of Sinope

  • Lived in a barrel (cask)
  • Performed indecent acts
  • Appeared unkempt
  • Was exiled
  • Lived in poverty

Epicureanism

Epicureanism was a practical philosophy, aiming to heal human suffering. Its primary guidance was to get rid of worries. Epicurus sought to eliminate religious myths and superstitions,

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