Metaphysics_Presentation_With_Visuals.pptx
- 1. Metaphysics: Understanding the Nature of Reality Definition, Key Concepts, Examples, and Group Activities
- 2. What is Metaphysics? • A branch of philosophy that studies the nature of reality, existence, and the universe. • Derived from Greek words: 'meta' (beyond) and 'physika' (physical nature). • Asks foundational questions: What is there? What is it like?
- 3. Key Questions in Metaphysics • What is existence? • What is the nature of objects and their properties? • What is time? What is space? • Do abstract concepts like numbers exist?
- 4. Main Areas of Metaphysics • Ontology – study of being and existence • Identity and change – how things persist or transform over time • Space and time – the framework of physical existence • Possibility and necessity – what could be versus what must be
- 5. Ontology: The Study of Being • Investigates what exists and what it means to exist. • Examples: Do souls exist? Are numbers real?
- 6. Substance and Properties • Substance: The entity that exists independently (e.g., a tree). • Properties: Characteristics that substances have (e.g., green, tall).
- 7. Identity and Change • How can something change and still be the same thing? • Example: A caterpillar becoming a butterfly.
- 8. Space and Time • Are space and time real or just concepts? • Philosophers like Newton and Leibniz debated their nature.
- 9. Causality • Study of cause and effect relationships. • Example: Does everything that begins to exist have a cause?
- 10. Free Will and Determinism • Is human action free or determined by prior causes? • Free will: the ability to choose freely • Determinism: all events are caused by previous states
- 11. Examples of Metaphysical Questions • Do minds exist separately from bodies? • Is there a purpose to the universe? • Can something come from nothing?
- 12. Realism vs. Idealism • Realism: Reality exists independently of our thoughts. • Idealism: Reality is mentally constructed or immaterial. • Example: Is a tree still a tree if no one sees it?
- 13. Metaphysics in Daily Life • Questions about personal identity: Am I the same person I was 10 years ago? • Ideas about fate and destiny • Beliefs about the afterlife or soul
- 14. Famous Metaphysicians • Aristotle – substance theory • René Descartes – mind-body dualism • Immanuel Kant – metaphysical structures of experience
- 15. Group Activity: Metaphysical Investigation • Form small groups of 4-5 students. • Each group selects one metaphysical question (e.g., Do we have free will?). • Research and discuss various philosophical perspectives. • Present your analysis to the class with examples and arguments.
- 16. Reflection and Discussion • What metaphysical question interested you the most? • How do metaphysical beliefs influence the way we live? • Can we ever truly answer metaphysical questions? Why or why not?