Metaphysics and Philosophy Lecture Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology from the lecture on metaphysics, philosophy, and the interactions between language, perception, and reality.

Metaphysical Statement

A statement that attempts to describe reality but must be assessed in context, avoiding intended reference restrictions.

Logical Positivism

A philosophical theory suggesting that only statements verifiable through empirical observation are meaningful, thereby rendering many metaphysical statements nonsensical.

Universals

Logical entities that are eternal and unchanging, which particulars partake in; emphasized by Russel.

Picture Theory

Wittgenstein's idea that thoughts are logical pictures that represent states of affairs but are not the states of affairs themselves.

Language Games

Wittgenstein's concept emphasizing that the meaning of words exists in their usage within specific social contexts rather than in an intrinsic essence.

Causation

The relationship between events where one event (the cause) leads to another event (the effect), questioned by Hume in terms of its rational foundation.

Idealism

The philosophical viewpoint that suggests knowledge is limited to phenomena, which are shaped by our mental representations.

Synthetic A Priori Knowledge

Knowledge that is gained independently of experience and adds to our understanding, as argued by Kant.

Kant's Critique of Metaphysics

Kant's argument that metaphysics circles back on itself without progress and must be critiqued to evaluate its conditions and possibilities.

Schopenhauer

A philosopher who disagreed with Russel and Plato, suggesting that art allows understanding of the inner world beyond mere perceptions.