Preparation for Quiz #2: Metaphysics, Mind and Body

The next test will be Friday, January 29.

By now, you should be able to:

1) define the following concepts:
• monism
• dualism
• compound theory
• epiphenomenalism
• materialism

• parallelism
• occasionalism
• pre-established harmony

2) Answer the following questions:

• Discuss various ways people have answered the question, "what is reality?" this, Be sure to deal with these questions:
a. Is change real or an illusion?
b. is what is real reducible to one thing, or more than one thing?


If it is more than one thing, what kinds of things?

• Contrast Heraclitus’ and Parmenides’ views of reality. How does their “philosophical personality” color their conclusions? What are the consequences of their ideas?

• What is Plato's theory of Forms? (or, asked another way...)
• How does Plato explain diversity and change?

• What is the relationship between mind and body? Discuss in detail: 1) materialist 2) dualist positions. Which do you think is the Christian view? Why?

• Discuss the various theories people have given to explain how mind and body interact, or do not interact. Which seems most plausible to you?

• Discuss one or more of Morris’ arguments supporting the view that to be human means to simply be a body (materialism).

• Discuss one or more of Morris’ arguments supporting the view that to be human means to be both a body and a mind/soul (dualism).

• Discuss one or more of Morris’ arguments, showing why the materialist view fails.

• Discuss one or more of Morris’ arguments showing why the dualist view fails.