Metaphysics
In this essay I will critically analyze three views of metaphysics. These will include idealism, realism and antirealism. I will present and then assess the premises and claims of each of these theories. I will then base my conclusion on that assessment.
The first view of metaphysics that is examined will be idealism. This view holds that reality is mind and idea rather than matter. Idealists believe the creative, or mental, to be the creative force or motivator behind all things. They deem this to be true whether they believe in many minds or a single, absolute mind. This section focuses on philosopher George Berkeley who is considered to be the father of modern metaphysics.
The second view of metaphysics that is examined will be realism. This view holds that the features of this world exist independently of our language, our thoughts, our perceptions and our experience. This means that the world would be the same even if nobody had ever existed to perceive it.
Beginning of book 7 of Aristotle's Metaphysics, tr...
George Berkeley is credited with the development o...
Metaphysics on a wallThis section focuses on philosopher Aristotle and his views about metaphysics.
The final view I will explore is the antirealist view of metaphysics. Antirealists believe that our world and everything in it is completely dependent upon how it is perceived, described and thought about by humans. This section focuses on philosopher Nelson Goodman.
Spagnuolo 2
Although these three views of metaphysics differ from one another, my goal is to critically analyze each view and draw a conclusion regarding these views. Based on my
examination, I feel that each view has its strengths and weaknesses. The following analysis will demonstrate this.
Idealism is defined as "the belief that reality is essentially idea and mind rather than matter" (Velasquez 189). They emphasize that it is not the material, but the mental or spiritual that is...