Fundamental Concepts in Philosophy

The Purpose of Philosophy

• Integration of knowledge.
• Analysis and interpretation of concepts and theories.
• Rational critique.
• Transformation of reality.

Unity and Plurality in Philosophy

Philosophers who defended monism believe in the unity of reality. Philosophers who defend pluralism believe that the diversity of reality is essential, and that plurality cannot be reduced to an original unity.

Monism argues that there is a single reality which appears to be plural. Pluralism claims the opposite: reality is plural but it appears to be unitary. This clash of ideas forces us to distinguish between reality and appearances.

Monism claims that reality is essentially static (it remains permanent as changes occur). Pluralism claims that reality is essentially dynamic (the essence of reality is continuous transformation).

Essence and Existence

Essence + Existence = Reality

Types of Existence in Relation to Essence:

• Essentialism: Existences exist as separate realities. They are independent and individual.
• Conceptualism: Essence is incorporated into the individual.
• Nominalism: "Essence" is just a name.

Two Modes of Existence:

• Real Existence: The quality of all entities in the real world, which exist independently from other real beings.
• Ideal Existence: The quality of ideas in the mind when an individual thinks them. It is possible to have one or both forms of existence.

• Essence is the possibility of being real, and existence is what makes that possibility a reality.
• A contingent being may or may not exist. A necessary being cannot be conceived not to exist.
• Regarding beings:
  • Existence is not one of the properties of the essence of contingent beings.
  • Existence is one of the properties of the essence of necessary beings.

Philosophical Perspectives on God's Existence