Cosmogony to Quantum: Exploring Science’s Core Concepts
What is a cosmogony? A mythical tale explaining the origin of the universe and consciousness.
What constitutes the problem of demarcation? The problem of demarcating or delimiting what is and is not science has always been an important issue for scientists. Traditionally, it has been considered a physical science model because it allows better empirical verification of statements.
What criteria are used to classify the different scientific disciplines? Sciences are often classified by their virtual
Read MorePlato’s Philosophy: Exploring the Realm of Ideas
Plato’s Philosophy
Theory of Ideas
Plato’s philosophy centers on the duality of beings, contrasting the sensible material world with the intelligible world. The sensible world, perceived through our senses, is constantly changing. The intelligible world, grasped through thought, is the realm of perfect and unchanging forms or ideas.
According to Plato, true reality resides in these eternal, indivisible, immutable, absolute, and universal ideas. These ideas form a hierarchy, with the Good as the supreme
Read MorePlato’s Philosophy: Ideas, Soul, and Politics
Ontology: Theory of Ideas
Theory of Ideas: The acceptance of absolute realities, eternal, immutable, universal, and independent of the world we perceive through the senses. Concrete things in this world are just, beautiful, or good due to their participation in absolute ideas of justice, beauty, and goodness. They are imperfect realizations of these absolute ideas.
Platonic ideas are realities that exist independently of things.
Aristotle believed that the doctrine of ideas resulted from Heraclitus’
Read MoreThomas Aquinas: Medieval Philosophy and Theology
Thomas Aquinas
Context
Aquinas lived in the 13th century and belonged to the Dominican order. He studied and taught at the University of Paris, where his teacher was Albert the Great. The 13th century marked the zenith of the medieval world and the decline of feudal society. Cities grew, leading to the rise of the bourgeoisie, economic stability, and flourishing trade. Culturally, the era saw the rise of universities and the reception of Greek, Arab, and Jewish philosophical translations, making it
Read MorePlato’s Philosophy: Influence and Ideas
Question 3 of Plato’s Relationship
Plato, a 5th-century BC philosopher, influenced the philosophical thought of authors after him, such as Aristotle. He was also influenced by the philosophy of his time. 5th-century BC Greece was characterized by Sparta’s victory over Athens and the subsequent government of the Thirty Tyrants, a political system that led to Socrates’ death, which Plato opposed. It’s no wonder that his teacher’s death made him consider a completely opposite form of government. Therefore,
Read MoreJohn Stuart Mill: Utilitarianism, Ethics, and Freedom
Historical Context
18th-century industrialization enriched society, establishing a new social order based on scientific organization and reason. However, industrialization also created inequities. Mid-19th century positivism emphasized reason and progress for societal change.
John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)
Influenced by Hume and Comte, Mill developed a comprehensive utilitarian philosophy.
Major Works
- 1843: A System of Logic – Examines induction and causality in empirical science.
- 1848: Principles of Political