5. Metaphysics
What is Metaphysics?
It encompasses everything that exists, as
well as the nature of existence itself.
It says whether the world is real,
or merely an illusion. It is a
fundamental view of the world
around us.
6. Why is Metaphysics important?
Metaphysics is the foundation of philosophy.
The degree to which our metaphysical
worldview is correct is the degree to which
we are able to comprehend the world, and act
accordingly.
Without this firm foundation, all
knowledge becomes suspect.
Any flaw in our view of reality will
make it more difficult to live.
7. What are the key elements of a rational
metaphysics?
Reality is absolute.
It has a specific nature and
it must be consistent to that
nature.
Every action has a cause and
an effect.
8. Categories:1. ONTOLOGY: What is the
nature of existence
2. COSMOLOGY: Origin and
organization of the universe
3. THEOLOGY: What are the
relations about
God, humankind,
and the universe.
9. Philosophical Questions asked in
Metaphysics:
What is reality?
Are people basically good or bad?
What is the nature of the world in which we
live?
What is the nature of being and of reality?
(ontology)
What is the origin and what is the structure of
the universe? (cosmology)
What or who is God? What are the
relations among God, humankind, and the
universe? (theology)
11. Epistemology is the study of the
nature of knowledge.
Generally involves a debate
between rationalism and
empiricism, or the question of
whether
Knowledge can be acquired a priori
or a posteriori.
Epistemology: Study of Knowledge
12. a priori (“prior to") - priori
knowledge or justification is
independent of experience
a posteriori (“posterior to") are
used in philosophy (metaphysics)
to distinguish two types of
knowledge. knowledge or
justification is dependent on
experience or empirical evidence.
Epistemology: Study of Knowledge
14. Why is Epistemology important?
Epistemology is the explanation of how
we think.
Without epistemology, we could not
think.
We would have no reason to
believe our thinking was
productive or correct, as
opposed to random images
flashing before our mind.
16. Ways of Knowing:
• Empiricism
• Ethical subjectivism
• Moral rationalism
17. What are the key elements of a
proper Epistemology?
Valid- Our senses are valid, and the only
way to gain information about the world.
Reason- is our method of gaining
knowledge, and acquiring
understanding.
Logic- is our method of maintaining
consistency within our set of knowledge.
Objectivity- is our means of associating
knowledge with reality to determine its
validity.
Concepts- are abstracts of specific
details of reality, or of other abstractions.
A proper epistemology is a rational
epistemology.
19. Branch of Philosophy Chief Topic Questions
related to
Education
Metaphysics Ontology Reality •What is
knowledge
•Are students
basically capable
people or
incapable people?
•How does our
view of knowledge
determine what
should be taught?
Summary
20. Branch of Philosophy Chief Topic Questions
related to
Education
Metaphysics Cosmology The Universe •How orderly
should my
classroom be?
•Should the
curriculum be
structured or
determined
students?
•Should I teach
the theory of
evolution or
creationism?
•What texts
should I use as
authoritative?
Summary
21. Branch of Philosophy Chief Topic Questions
related to
Education
Metaphysics Theology God •Is it possible to
motivate all
students to want
to learn?
•Is a student’s
ability to learn
innate or
acquired?
•Should all people
have the same
access to
education?
Summary
22. Branch of Philosophy Chief Topic Questions
related to
Education
Epistemology Knowledge •Should teachers
lecture, ask
questions, provide
experiences, or
encourage
activities to enable
students to learn?
•How do scientists
do science?
Summary
23. Guided
Instruction
Metaphysics: My dog is my
best friend.
What is the nature of dog and
friend?
Epistemology: My dog is
always happy to see
me, kisses me, and has
unconditional positive regard
for me.
How do I know the nature of
dog, happy, kisses, uncondition
al positive regard?
24. Metaphysics: God is good
What is the nature of good?
What is the nature of God?
Epistemology: I have a strong
God belief like my family and
the religious schools I
attended taught me.
Why do I believe in the God I do?
Why do I believe in the God
commandment I do?
How do I know they are true?
Guided
Instruction
25. Philosophical Quotation of
Education
Plants are shaped by cultivation and men by
education. .. We are born weak, we need
strength; we are born totally unprovided, we
need aid; we are born stupid, we need
judgment. Everything we do not have at our
birth and which we need when we are grown
is given us by education.
(Jean Jacques Rousseau, Emile, On
Philosophy of Education)