metaphysics Flashcards
What defines a person?
A person is a being with:
• Self-awareness: Recognizing themselves (e.g., in mirrors).
• Ability to think about the future.
• Decision-making capability.
How can animals be considered persons?
Certain animals display traits of personhood:
• Elephants: Recognize themselves in mirrors and mourn their dead.
• Dolphins: Exhibit self-awareness and complex social behaviors.
Why might not all humans be considered persons?
Some humans lack traits of personhood, such as:
• Newborns: Lack self-awareness and decision-making abilities.
• People in permanent comas: Do not exhibit awareness or the ability to think.
What is the “self”?
The “self” is the awareness of who we are, which remains constant despite changes in experiences and emotions.
How does the “self” deceive itself?
• Believing one is kind despite unkind actions.
• Appearing confident while hiding fear.
What is free will?
Free will is the ability to make choices independently. Some argue this exists, while others believe choices are influenced by external or subconscious factors.
What is the Tao?
The Tao is the natural order of the universe, promoting harmony with the world and accepting constant change (e.g., seasons).
What did Lao Tzu teach about the Tao?
• Life is in constant change (e.g., day turns to night).
• Yin and yang represent balance, with neither dominating permanently. And they can’t work without eachother
What is Dualism?
• The belief that mind and body are separate entities.
• Proponent: René Descartes.
What did René Descartes believe about the mind and body?
• The mind is immaterial and responsible for thoughts and self-awareness.
• The body is material and operates within the physical world.
What is Idealism?
Reality is basically just mental or spiritual. Material objects are seen as perceptions of the mind.
Who was a major proponent of Idealism?
George Berkeley argued that material objects exist only as perceptions in the mind.
What is Materialism?
Materialism states that everything is composed of physical matter, and mental states arise from physical processes.
What did Thomas Hobbes believe about Materialism?
• Emotions and thoughts are results of physical processes.
• Humans are machines driven by physical desires.
What is Bundle Theory?
• Proposed by David Hume.
• The self is a collection of perceptions and emotions, constantly changing over time.
