PHI 210 Exam Study Guide: Metaphysics

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering truth theories, modal logic, the nature of forms, and the mind/body problem as presented in the study guide.

Proposition

A statement that can be true or false.

Correspondence Theory of Truth

The theory that truth matches reality.

Coherence Theory of Truth

The theory that truth fits with other true beliefs.

Pragmatic Theory of Truth

The theory that truth is defined by what works.

Logical Possibility

A type of modality that follows logic.

Metaphysical Possibility

A type of modality that follows a thing's nature or essence.

Nomological Possibility

A type of modality that follows the laws of nature.

Necessary truths

Truths that are always true.

Possible truths

Truths that may or may not be true.

Plato's Theory of Forms

The belief that Forms exist in a separate perfect realm.

Aristotle's Theory of Forms

The belief that Forms exist within objects.

Form

What makes a thing what it is.

Matter

What a thing is made of.

Essence

What makes something the kind of thing it is; the true nature of a thing.

Essential properties

Properties that cannot change.

Accidental properties

Properties that can change.

Substance Dualism

The view that humans have an immaterial mind and a physical body.

Physicalism

The view that humans are entirely physical; the mind depends on or is the brain.

Hylemorphism

The view that humans are one substance made of form and matter.

Descartes

Philosopher associated with Substance Dualism and the statement "I think, therefore I am."

Thomas Aquinas

Philosopher associated with Christian Hylemorphism.

Frank Jackson

Philosopher associated with the Qualia argument.

Eric Olson

Philosopher associated with Animalism.

William James

Philosopher associated with the Pragmatic theory of truth.

Qualia

What an experience feels like.

Consciousness

Awareness.

Intentionality

The concept that thoughts are about something.

Animalism

The theory that humans are animals.