Aristotle’s Hylomorphism: Matter, Form, and the Human Soul
Aristotle’s Hylomorphism: Matter, Form, and Substance
Hylomorphism, Aristotle’s approach to the concept of substance, diverges from Plato’s Theory of Ideas, while still acknowledging the reality of universals. Aristotle conceives the universal not as transcendent and separate from the physical world, but as immanent within it. He terms this universal the “form,” which, together with matter, constitutes the substance of the physical world. Hylomorphism, therefore, is the Aristotelian theory that everything
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Morality and Structure
All individuals possess a moral structure, making choices among options and justifying them based on a moral code, thus accepting responsibility for their selections. Morality, as a human attribute, involves choosing content in accordance with a set of values that shape behavior and influence our way of life. Given the diversity of lifestyles, there exist multiple moral frameworks. These moralities are often distinguished by factors such as race, religion, and ideals. Furthermore,
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Deontology
Deontology is the study of the nature of duty and obligation.
Metaphysics
Metaphysics is the study of being and existence (reductive materialism).
Transcendental Metaphysics
Transcendental Metaphysics is the study of the concepts of understanding and their relation to our experience. It involves looking inward to understand our mind. The concepts of understanding filter and form the world in a way that we must know these concepts.
Three Branches of Greek Thought
- Logic: The study of formal concepts
Understanding Social Ethics: Virtue, Duty, Justice, and Law
Social Ethics
Ethical Training
Aristotle argues that knowing what is right is intertwined with knowing how to do it. The secret to reinforcing ethical behavior is repetition. Through the actions we perform, we cultivate a way of being responsible. No one is born responsible or irresponsible. When we acquire good habits in ethics, they are called virtues. When they are not, they are called vices.
Virtue
Virtue means strength (from the Latin). Sometimes humans lack this capacity. One dimension of strength
Read MoreNietzsche’s Philosophy: Morality, Metaphysics, and Will to Power
Nihilism and the Loss of Values
Nihilism is the loss of values, a situation that is given by the loss of faith in God. There are two types:
- Positive or active: Destructive of religious force and creator of new values inspired by the will. It destroys to finish decadent values. “We must learn to be gods.”
- Negative or passive: A stage of confusion, resignation, passivity, and pessimism (denial of life).
Morality: The Genealogy of Morals
The Genealogy of Morals aims to discover the source of morality.
Read MorePhilosophy and Science: Key Concepts and Methods
Dogmatism
Dogmatism refers to a basic principle, a universal and undeniable truth, affirmed as such.
Skepticism
Skepticism is a philosophical doctrine that considers human reason incapable of knowing the truth.
Objectivity
Objectivity is a property based on the possibility that different individuals around the world agree and share experiences in science.
Technological Chance
Humans discover that they have the capacity to transform nature.
Technology of the Artisan
With increasing human and technical means,
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