Metaphysics - Revision history

Sir Andrew at 18:05, 28 August 2010

2010-08-28T18:05:41Z

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	The three axioms are also implicitly stated and affirmed by any statement made, which boil down to: "There is [Existence] something [Identity] that I am aware of [Consciousness]."		The three axioms are also implicitly stated and affirmed by any statement made, which boil down to: "There is [Existence] something [Identity] that I am aware of [Consciousness]."

			==The Axioms==
	=== The Primacy of Existence ===		=== The Primacy of Existence ===
	The Primacy of Existence premise says that reality is objective: the universe exists independently of the particular psychological states (beliefs, desires, etc.) of individual cognizers. This view was also held by [[Aristotle]]. Objectivism distinguishes The Primacy of Existence from the Primacy of Consciousness. The Primacy of Consciousness holds that consciousness is prior to existence. It is the view that one could, in principle, be conscious exclusively and entirely of one's self. Objectivism rejects this view: it holds that objects present themselves to consciousness in such a way that they must be genuinely "other," that is, non-identical to one's own consciousness. This axiom is the basis of the Objectivist refutation of both [[theism]] and [[idealism]]. Though Objectivism grants that some particular existents are mental (e.g., minds, thoughts, desires, intentions), it holds that, if what fundamentally exists is independent of any consciousness, then the universe as a whole is neither the creation of a divine consciousness nor itself mental. (This argument is laid out in Chapter 1 of [[Leonard Peikoff]]'s ''[[Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand]]'').		The Primacy of Existence premise says that reality is objective: the universe exists independently of the particular psychological states (beliefs, desires, etc.) of individual cognizers. This view was also held by [[Aristotle]]. Objectivism distinguishes The Primacy of Existence from the Primacy of Consciousness. The Primacy of Consciousness holds that consciousness is prior to existence. It is the view that one could, in principle, be conscious exclusively and entirely of one's self. Objectivism rejects this view: it holds that objects present themselves to consciousness in such a way that they must be genuinely "other," that is, non-identical to one's own consciousness. This axiom is the basis of the Objectivist refutation of both [[theism]] and [[idealism]]. Though Objectivism grants that some particular existents are mental (e.g., minds, thoughts, desires, intentions), it holds that, if what fundamentally exists is independent of any consciousness, then the universe as a whole is neither the creation of a divine consciousness nor itself mental. (This argument is laid out in Chapter 1 of [[Leonard Peikoff]]'s ''[[Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand]]'').
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	=== The Law of Identity ===		=== The Law of Identity ===
	The Law of Identity states that everything that exists has an ''identity.'' In saying this, Objectivism is asserting more than the tautology of self-identity (i.e., "everything is identical to itself"). It is asserting that everything that exists has a specific nature, consisting of various properties or characteristics (as Rand wrote, "to be is to be something in particular"). Moreover, Objectivism holds that the properties and characteristics in question must exist each in a specific measure or degree; in this respect "identity" also means ''finitude''. According to Objectivism, then, everything that exists has a specific finite nature. To have a specific, finite nature, is incompatible with having a self-contradictory nature. Therefore, the whole of reality is ''noncontradictory''; though contradictions might exist in thought, there are no contradictions in the real world.		The Law of Identity states that everything that exists has an ''identity.'' In saying this, Objectivism is asserting more than the tautology of self-identity (i.e., "everything is identical to itself"). It is asserting that everything that exists has a specific nature, consisting of various properties or characteristics (as Rand wrote, "to be is to be something in particular"). Moreover, Objectivism holds that the properties and characteristics in question must exist each in a specific measure or degree; in this respect "identity" also means ''finitude''. According to Objectivism, then, everything that exists has a specific finite nature. To have a specific, finite nature, is incompatible with having a self-contradictory nature. Therefore, the whole of reality is ''noncontradictory''; though contradictions might exist in thought, there are no contradictions in the real world.
			====The Law of Causality====
			Each thing's specific nature ''determines how it acts.'' This principle is Objectivism's formulation of the Law of [[Causality]]; it is held to be a corollary of the Law of Identity (see above). Contemporary philosophers define the Law of Causality differently, e.g., as "Every event has a cause." Objectivism rejects this contemporary definition because it leads to paradoxes concerning free will and cosmology. A further implication of the Objectivist account of causality concerns explanation: since genuine explanation is causal, nature can only be explained in terms of nature (i.e., without reference to the [[supernatural]]).
	=== The Axiom of Consciousness ===		=== The Axiom of Consciousness ===
	This axiom states that consciousness is an irreducible primary. It cannot be analyzed in terms of other concepts and it is at the foundation of all knowledge. While we can study the faculty of consciousness, we cannot study what it means to be conscious as such. She writes that "consciousness is conscious," affirming both that the thinker is conscious and that he is conscious of something external to himself. She writes, "If nothing exists, there can be no consciousness: a consciousness with nothing to be conscious of is a contradiction in terms" (''[[Atlas Shrugged]]'', p. 1015). One cannot be self-conscious without first being aware of something other than one's awareness. Rand's axioms of consciousness is different from Descartes' Cogito principle in that Descartes' Cogito is an a priori principle, while Rand's axiom of consciousness is a self-evidency only available in perception.		This axiom states that consciousness is an irreducible primary. It cannot be analyzed in terms of other concepts and it is at the foundation of all knowledge. While we can study the faculty of consciousness, we cannot study what it means to be conscious as such. She writes that "consciousness is conscious," affirming both that the thinker is conscious and that he is conscious of something external to himself. She writes, "If nothing exists, there can be no consciousness: a consciousness with nothing to be conscious of is a contradiction in terms" (''[[Atlas Shrugged]]'', p. 1015). One cannot be self-conscious without first being aware of something other than one's awareness. Rand's axioms of consciousness is different from Descartes' Cogito principle in that Descartes' Cogito is an a priori principle, while Rand's axiom of consciousness is a self-evidency only available in perception.

	~~=== The Law of Causality ===~~		==Mind and body ==
	Each thing's specific nature ''determines how it acts.'' This principle is Objectivism's formulation of the Law of [[Causality]]; it is held to be a corollary of the Law of Identity (see above). Contemporary philosophers define the Law of Causality differently, e.g., as "Every event has a cause." Objectivism rejects this contemporary definition because it leads to paradoxes concerning free will and cosmology. A further implication of the Objectivist account of causality concerns explanation: since genuine explanation is causal, nature can only be explained in terms of nature (i.e., without reference to the [[supernatural]]).

	==== Mind and body ====
	Objectivism rejects the mind-body dichotomy, viewing man as a single integrated being, with both the mental and physical realms having particular causal properties. See [[mind-body dichotomy]].		Objectivism rejects the mind-body dichotomy, viewing man as a single integrated being, with both the mental and physical realms having particular causal properties. See [[mind-body dichotomy]].

Sir Andrew: Removed wikipedia import, wrote introduction

2010-08-28T18:02:35Z

Removed wikipedia import, wrote introduction

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	{{Q\|Metaphysics is that branch of philosophy that studies the nature of the universe as a whole."\|Leonard Peikoff, [[OPAR]], p.3}}		{{Q\|Metaphysics is that branch of philosophy that studies the nature of the universe as a whole."\|Leonard Peikoff, [[OPAR]], p.3}}

	~~All~~ of Objectivism ~~rests~~ on Objectivist metaphysics. ~~The key tenets of the Objectivist metaphysics are (1) the~~ [[~~Primacy of Existence~~]], (2) the [[Law of Identity]] ([[Aristotle\|Aristotle's]] "[[A is A]]"), and (3) the [[Axiom of Consciousness]]. In addition, (4) the [[Law of Causality]] is a corollary of the Law of Identity. The Primacy of Existence states that reality (the universe, that which is) exists independently of human consciousness. The Law of Identity states that anything that exists is qualitatively determinate, that is, has a fixed, finite nature. The Axiom of Self-Consciousness is the proposition that one ~~is conscious. The Law of Causality states that things act in accordance with their natures. These propositions are all held in Objectivism~~ to ~~be axiomatic. According to Objectivism, the proof of a proposition's being axiomatic is~~ that it is ~~both (~~a~~) self-evident and (b) cannot coherently be denied, because any argument against the proposition would have~~ to ~~suppose its truth~~.		==Introduction==
			Because Objectivism is an integrated philosophy with a hierarchical structure, all other branches of Objectivism rest on Objectivist metaphysics.
			Metaphysics includes those basic facts about reality which one must understand before one can learn [[Epistemology]], because one cannot attempt to study knowledge until one has established that there is a reality to know.

	~~Metaphysics includes those basic facts about reality~~ which ~~one must understand before one~~ can ~~learn Epistemology~~:		Objectivist metaphysics relies on three primary [[axiom\|axioms]] which are (in order of primacy): Existence, Identity (and its corollary Causality), and Consciousness. These axioms can be summarized as follows:
			;Existence : ''Something exists'', including the things I perceive.
	''Something exists, including the things I perceive. (~~Primacy of Existence~~)''		;Identity (and Causality): Everything is ''something'' specific and acts ''according to its nature''.
			;Consciousness : I am ''conscious'' of the things I perceive and my perceptions reflect reality.
	''~~Everything is something~~ specific and acts according to its nature~~. (Identity)~~''

	''~~I am~~ conscious of the things I perceive and my perceptions reflect reality. ~~(Consciousness)''~~

	The three axioms are also implicitly stated and affirmed by any statement made, which boil down to: "There is [Existence] something [Identity] that I am aware of [Consciousness]."		The three axioms are also implicitly stated and affirmed by any statement made, which boil down to: "There is [Existence] something [Identity] that I am aware of [Consciousness]."

	~~== Imported from Wikipedia ==~~

	All of [[Objectivist philosophy\|Objectivism]] rests on '''Objectivist metaphysics''' and [[Objectivist epistemology]]: the study of what is and how we know it. The key tenets of the Objectivist [[metaphysics]] are (1) the Primacy of Existence, (2) the Law of Identity ("A is A"), and (3) the Axiom of Consciousness. In addition, (4) the Law of Causality is a corollary of the Law of Identity. The Primacy of Existence states that reality (the universe, that which is) exists independently of human consciousness. The Law of Identity states that anything that exists is qualitatively determinate, that is, has a fixed, finite nature. The Axiom of Consciousness is the proposition that consciousness is irreducible. The Law of Causality states that things act in accordance with their natures. These propositions are all held in Objectivism to be [[axiom]]atic. According to Objectivism, the proof of a proposition's being axiomatic is that it is both (a) [[self-evident]] and (b) cannot coherently be denied, because any argument against the proposition would have to suppose its truth.

	=== The Primacy of Existence ===		=== The Primacy of Existence ===

Sir Andrew: Added affirmation of axioms line

2010-08-28T05:35:32Z

Added affirmation of axioms line

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	''I am conscious of the things I perceive and my perceptions reflect reality. (Consciousness)''		''I am conscious of the things I perceive and my perceptions reflect reality. (Consciousness)''

			The three axioms are also implicitly stated and affirmed by any statement made, which boil down to: "There is [Existence] something [Identity] that I am aware of [Consciousness]."

	== Imported from Wikipedia ==		== Imported from Wikipedia ==

Sir Andrew at 00:25, 28 August 2010

2010-08-28T00:25:47Z

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	"Metaphysics is that branch of philosophy that studies the nature of the universe as a whole." ([[OPAR]], p.3)		{{Q\|Metaphysics is that branch of philosophy that studies the nature of the universe as a whole."\|Leonard Peikoff, [[OPAR]], p.3}}

	All of Objectivism rests on Objectivist metaphysics. The key tenets of the Objectivist metaphysics are (1) the [[Primacy of Existence]], (2) the [[Law of Identity]] ([[Aristotle\|Aristotle's]] "[[A is A]]"), and (3) the [[Axiom of Consciousness]]. In addition, (4) the [[Law of Causality]] is a corollary of the Law of Identity. The Primacy of Existence states that reality (the universe, that which is) exists independently of human consciousness. The Law of Identity states that anything that exists is qualitatively determinate, that is, has a fixed, finite nature. The Axiom of Self-Consciousness is the proposition that one is conscious. The Law of Causality states that things act in accordance with their natures. These propositions are all held in Objectivism to be axiomatic. According to Objectivism, the proof of a proposition's being axiomatic is that it is both (a) self-evident and (b) cannot coherently be denied, because any argument against the proposition would have to suppose its truth.		All of Objectivism rests on Objectivist metaphysics. The key tenets of the Objectivist metaphysics are (1) the [[Primacy of Existence]], (2) the [[Law of Identity]] ([[Aristotle\|Aristotle's]] "[[A is A]]"), and (3) the [[Axiom of Consciousness]]. In addition, (4) the [[Law of Causality]] is a corollary of the Law of Identity. The Primacy of Existence states that reality (the universe, that which is) exists independently of human consciousness. The Law of Identity states that anything that exists is qualitatively determinate, that is, has a fixed, finite nature. The Axiom of Self-Consciousness is the proposition that one is conscious. The Law of Causality states that things act in accordance with their natures. These propositions are all held in Objectivism to be axiomatic. According to Objectivism, the proof of a proposition's being axiomatic is that it is both (a) self-evident and (b) cannot coherently be denied, because any argument against the proposition would have to suppose its truth.
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	Metaphysics includes those basic facts about reality which one must understand before one can learn Epistemology:		Metaphysics includes those basic facts about reality which one must understand before one can learn Epistemology:

	Something exists, including the things I perceive.		''Something exists, including the things I perceive. (Primacy of Existence)''

	Everything is something specific and acts according to its nature.		''Everything is something specific and acts according to its nature. (Identity)''

	I am conscious of the things I perceive and my perceptions reflect reality.		''I am conscious of the things I perceive and my perceptions reflect reality. (Consciousness)''

	'''~~Possible references:'''~~
	*[[ITOE]]: Chapter 6
	*[[FNI]]: 124-125, 154-155
	*[[PWNI]]: [[Metaphysically Given versus the Man Made]]
	*[[OPAR]]: Chapter 1

	== Imported from Wikipedia ==		== Imported from Wikipedia ==
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	==== Mind and body ====		==== Mind and body ====
	Objectivism rejects the mind-body dichotomy, viewing man as a single integrated being, with both the mental and physical realms having particular causal properties. See [[mind-body dichotomy]].		Objectivism rejects the mind-body dichotomy, viewing man as a single integrated being, with both the mental and physical realms having particular causal properties. See [[mind-body dichotomy]].

			==Possible references:==
			*[[ITOE]]: Chapter 6
			*[[FNI]]: 124-125, 154-155
			*[[PWNI]]: [[Metaphysically Given versus the Man Made]]
			*[[OPAR]]: Chapter 1

	{{M_Nav}}		{{M_Nav}}

	[[Category: Metaphysics]]		[[Category: Metaphysics]]

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2010-08-27T06:05:12Z

Added navigation table to improve wiki traffic flow

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	==== Mind and body ====		==== Mind and body ====
	Objectivism rejects the mind-body dichotomy, viewing man as a single integrated being, with both the mental and physical realms having particular causal properties. See [[mind-body dichotomy]].		Objectivism rejects the mind-body dichotomy, viewing man as a single integrated being, with both the mental and physical realms having particular causal properties. See [[mind-body dichotomy]].

			{{M_Nav}}

	[[Category: Metaphysics]]		[[Category: Metaphysics]]

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2007-02-28T21:58:46Z

Mind and body

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	==== Mind and body ====		==== Mind and body ====
	See [[mind-body dichotomy]].		Objectivism rejects the mind-body dichotomy, viewing man as a single integrated being, with both the mental and physical realms having particular causal properties. See [[mind-body dichotomy]].

	[[Category: Metaphysics]]		[[Category: Metaphysics]]

GreedyCapitalist: /* Mind and body */

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Mind and body

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	==== Mind and body ====		==== Mind and body ====
	~~Another Objectivist doctrine deserves mention here: Objectivism rejects the~~ [[mind-body dichotomy]], holding that the mind and body are an integrated whole. Though this doctrine may sound like a stance in the philosophy of mind — a doctrine concerning the relationship between consciousness (mind) and brain (body) — it is not. Rather, it amounts chiefly to the assertions that (a) there are both mental existents and physical existents, and (b) existents of both sorts have genuine causal powers, though whether entities of either sort, or their causal powers, can be reductively explained is another matter. This doctrine represents a rejection of any forced choice between Marxian materialism and Christian spiritualism. Marxists hold that the material factors of production have metaphysical priority over consciousness. Christian spiritualists hold that reality is fundamentally spiritual (a view declared heretical by Catholic and Orthodox doctrines). Objectivism rejects both views: physical entities and mental entities both exist, and neither is more real than the other. Though this doctrine may entail the rejection of eliminativism, Objectivism does not offer any particular metaphysical or scientific explanation of the relationship between mind and body in the philosophy of mind. However, Harry Binswanger, a prominent Objectivist philosopher, argues in his lecture course, "The Metaphysics of Consciousness," in favor of substance dualism. He rejects not only eliminativism and materialism, but even the property dualism of David Chalmers and the emergentism of John Searle.		See [[mind-body dichotomy]].

	[[Category: Metaphysics]]		[[Category: Metaphysics]]

GreedyCapitalist: /* Mind and body */

2007-02-28T21:45:18Z

Mind and body

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	==== Mind and body ====		==== Mind and body ====
	Another Objectivist doctrine deserves mention here: Objectivism rejects the mind-body dichotomy, holding that the mind and body are an integrated whole. Though this doctrine may sound like a stance in the philosophy of mind — a doctrine concerning the relationship between consciousness (mind) and brain (body) — it is not. Rather, it amounts chiefly to the assertions that (a) there are both mental existents and physical existents, and (b) existents of both sorts have genuine causal powers, though whether entities of either sort, or their causal powers, can be reductively explained is another matter. This doctrine represents a rejection of any forced choice between Marxian materialism and Christian spiritualism. Marxists hold that the material factors of production have metaphysical priority over consciousness. Christian spiritualists hold that reality is fundamentally spiritual (a view declared heretical by Catholic and Orthodox doctrines). Objectivism rejects both views: physical entities and mental entities both exist, and neither is more real than the other. Though this doctrine may entail the rejection of eliminativism, Objectivism does not offer any particular metaphysical or scientific explanation of the relationship between mind and body in the philosophy of mind. However, Harry Binswanger, a prominent Objectivist philosopher, argues in his lecture course, "The Metaphysics of Consciousness," in favor of substance dualism. He rejects not only eliminativism and materialism, but even the property dualism of David Chalmers and the emergentism of John Searle.		Another Objectivist doctrine deserves mention here: Objectivism rejects the [[mind-body dichotomy]], holding that the mind and body are an integrated whole. Though this doctrine may sound like a stance in the philosophy of mind — a doctrine concerning the relationship between consciousness (mind) and brain (body) — it is not. Rather, it amounts chiefly to the assertions that (a) there are both mental existents and physical existents, and (b) existents of both sorts have genuine causal powers, though whether entities of either sort, or their causal powers, can be reductively explained is another matter. This doctrine represents a rejection of any forced choice between Marxian materialism and Christian spiritualism. Marxists hold that the material factors of production have metaphysical priority over consciousness. Christian spiritualists hold that reality is fundamentally spiritual (a view declared heretical by Catholic and Orthodox doctrines). Objectivism rejects both views: physical entities and mental entities both exist, and neither is more real than the other. Though this doctrine may entail the rejection of eliminativism, Objectivism does not offer any particular metaphysical or scientific explanation of the relationship between mind and body in the philosophy of mind. However, Harry Binswanger, a prominent Objectivist philosopher, argues in his lecture course, "The Metaphysics of Consciousness," in favor of substance dualism. He rejects not only eliminativism and materialism, but even the property dualism of David Chalmers and the emergentism of John Searle.

	[[Category: Metaphysics]]		[[Category: Metaphysics]]

GreedyCapitalist: Reverted edits by 137.226.13.2 (Talk); changed back to last version by GreedyCapitalist

2007-01-15T08:41:38Z

Reverted edits by 137.226.13.2 (Talk); changed back to last version by GreedyCapitalist

← Older revision	Revision as of 08:41, 15 January 2007
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		"Metaphysics is that branch of philosophy that studies the nature of the universe as a whole." ([[OPAR]], p.3)

		All of Objectivism rests on Objectivist metaphysics. The key tenets of the Objectivist metaphysics are (1) the [[Primacy of Existence]], (2) the [[Law of Identity]] ([[Aristotle\|Aristotle's]] "[[A is A]]"), and (3) the [[Axiom of Consciousness]]. In addition, (4) the [[Law of Causality]] is a corollary of the Law of Identity. The Primacy of Existence states that reality (the universe, that which is) exists independently of human consciousness. The Law of Identity states that anything that exists is qualitatively determinate, that is, has a fixed, finite nature. The Axiom of Self-Consciousness is the proposition that one is conscious. The Law of Causality states that things act in accordance with their natures. These propositions are all held in Objectivism to be axiomatic. According to Objectivism, the proof of a proposition's being axiomatic is that it is both (a) self-evident and (b) cannot coherently be denied, because any argument against the proposition would have to suppose its truth.

		Metaphysics includes those basic facts about reality which one must understand before one can learn Epistemology:

		Something exists, including the things I perceive.

		Everything is something specific and acts according to its nature.

		I am conscious of the things I perceive and my perceptions reflect reality.

		'''Possible references:'''
		*[[ITOE]]: Chapter 6
		*[[FNI]]: 124-125, 154-155
		*[[PWNI]]: [[Metaphysically Given versus the Man Made]]
		*[[OPAR]]: Chapter 1

		== Imported from Wikipedia ==

		All of [[Objectivist philosophy\|Objectivism]] rests on '''Objectivist metaphysics''' and [[Objectivist epistemology]]: the study of what is and how we know it. The key tenets of the Objectivist [[metaphysics]] are (1) the Primacy of Existence, (2) the Law of Identity ("A is A"), and (3) the Axiom of Consciousness. In addition, (4) the Law of Causality is a corollary of the Law of Identity. The Primacy of Existence states that reality (the universe, that which is) exists independently of human consciousness. The Law of Identity states that anything that exists is qualitatively determinate, that is, has a fixed, finite nature. The Axiom of Consciousness is the proposition that consciousness is irreducible. The Law of Causality states that things act in accordance with their natures. These propositions are all held in Objectivism to be [[axiom]]atic. According to Objectivism, the proof of a proposition's being axiomatic is that it is both (a) [[self-evident]] and (b) cannot coherently be denied, because any argument against the proposition would have to suppose its truth.

		=== The Primacy of Existence ===
		The Primacy of Existence premise says that reality is objective: the universe exists independently of the particular psychological states (beliefs, desires, etc.) of individual cognizers. This view was also held by [[Aristotle]]. Objectivism distinguishes The Primacy of Existence from the Primacy of Consciousness. The Primacy of Consciousness holds that consciousness is prior to existence. It is the view that one could, in principle, be conscious exclusively and entirely of one's self. Objectivism rejects this view: it holds that objects present themselves to consciousness in such a way that they must be genuinely "other," that is, non-identical to one's own consciousness. This axiom is the basis of the Objectivist refutation of both [[theism]] and [[idealism]]. Though Objectivism grants that some particular existents are mental (e.g., minds, thoughts, desires, intentions), it holds that, if what fundamentally exists is independent of any consciousness, then the universe as a whole is neither the creation of a divine consciousness nor itself mental. (This argument is laid out in Chapter 1 of [[Leonard Peikoff]]'s ''[[Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand]]'').

		=== The Law of Identity ===
		The Law of Identity states that everything that exists has an ''identity.'' In saying this, Objectivism is asserting more than the tautology of self-identity (i.e., "everything is identical to itself"). It is asserting that everything that exists has a specific nature, consisting of various properties or characteristics (as Rand wrote, "to be is to be something in particular"). Moreover, Objectivism holds that the properties and characteristics in question must exist each in a specific measure or degree; in this respect "identity" also means ''finitude''. According to Objectivism, then, everything that exists has a specific finite nature. To have a specific, finite nature, is incompatible with having a self-contradictory nature. Therefore, the whole of reality is ''noncontradictory''; though contradictions might exist in thought, there are no contradictions in the real world.

		=== The Axiom of Consciousness ===
		This axiom states that consciousness is an irreducible primary. It cannot be analyzed in terms of other concepts and it is at the foundation of all knowledge. While we can study the faculty of consciousness, we cannot study what it means to be conscious as such. She writes that "consciousness is conscious," affirming both that the thinker is conscious and that he is conscious of something external to himself. She writes, "If nothing exists, there can be no consciousness: a consciousness with nothing to be conscious of is a contradiction in terms" (''[[Atlas Shrugged]]'', p. 1015). One cannot be self-conscious without first being aware of something other than one's awareness. Rand's axioms of consciousness is different from Descartes' Cogito principle in that Descartes' Cogito is an a priori principle, while Rand's axiom of consciousness is a self-evidency only available in perception.

		=== The Law of Causality ===
		Each thing's specific nature ''determines how it acts.'' This principle is Objectivism's formulation of the Law of [[Causality]]; it is held to be a corollary of the Law of Identity (see above). Contemporary philosophers define the Law of Causality differently, e.g., as "Every event has a cause." Objectivism rejects this contemporary definition because it leads to paradoxes concerning free will and cosmology. A further implication of the Objectivist account of causality concerns explanation: since genuine explanation is causal, nature can only be explained in terms of nature (i.e., without reference to the [[supernatural]]).

		==== Mind and body ====
		Another Objectivist doctrine deserves mention here: Objectivism rejects the mind-body dichotomy, holding that the mind and body are an integrated whole. Though this doctrine may sound like a stance in the philosophy of mind — a doctrine concerning the relationship between consciousness (mind) and brain (body) — it is not. Rather, it amounts chiefly to the assertions that (a) there are both mental existents and physical existents, and (b) existents of both sorts have genuine causal powers, though whether entities of either sort, or their causal powers, can be reductively explained is another matter. This doctrine represents a rejection of any forced choice between Marxian materialism and Christian spiritualism. Marxists hold that the material factors of production have metaphysical priority over consciousness. Christian spiritualists hold that reality is fundamentally spiritual (a view declared heretical by Catholic and Orthodox doctrines). Objectivism rejects both views: physical entities and mental entities both exist, and neither is more real than the other. Though this doctrine may entail the rejection of eliminativism, Objectivism does not offer any particular metaphysical or scientific explanation of the relationship between mind and body in the philosophy of mind. However, Harry Binswanger, a prominent Objectivist philosopher, argues in his lecture course, "The Metaphysics of Consciousness," in favor of substance dualism. He rejects not only eliminativism and materialism, but even the property dualism of David Chalmers and the emergentism of John Searle.

		[[Category: Metaphysics]]

137.226.13.2 at 08:21, 15 January 2007

2007-01-15T08:21:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:21, 15 January 2007
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	~~"Metaphysics is that branch of philosophy that studies the nature of the universe as a whole." ([[OPAR]], p.3)~~

	All of Objectivism rests on Objectivist metaphysics. The key tenets of the Objectivist metaphysics are (1) the [[Primacy of Existence]], (2) the [[Law of Identity]] ([[Aristotle\|Aristotle's]] "[[A is A]]"), and (3) the [[Axiom of Consciousness]]. In addition, (4) the [[Law of Causality]] is a corollary of the Law of Identity. The Primacy of Existence states that reality (the universe, that which is) exists independently of human consciousness. The Law of Identity states that anything that exists is qualitatively determinate, that is, has a fixed, finite nature. The Axiom of Self-Consciousness is the proposition that one is conscious. The Law of Causality states that things act in accordance with their natures. These propositions are all held in Objectivism to be axiomatic. According to Objectivism, the proof of a proposition's being axiomatic is that it is both (a) self-evident and (b) cannot coherently be denied, because any argument against the proposition would have to suppose its truth.

	~~Metaphysics includes those basic facts about reality which one must understand before one can learn Epistemology:~~

	~~Something exists, including the things I perceive.~~

	~~Everything is something specific and acts according to its nature.~~

	~~I am conscious of the things I perceive and my perceptions reflect reality.~~

	~~'''Possible references:'''~~
	*[[ITOE]]: Chapter 6
	*[[FNI]]: 124-125, 154-155
	*[[PWNI]]: [[Metaphysically Given versus the Man Made]]
	*[[OPAR]]: Chapter 1

	~~== Imported from Wikipedia ==~~

	All of [[Objectivist philosophy\|Objectivism]] rests on '''Objectivist metaphysics''' and [[Objectivist epistemology]]: the study of what is and how we know it. The key tenets of the Objectivist [[metaphysics]] are (1) the Primacy of Existence, (2) the Law of Identity ("A is A"), and (3) the Axiom of Consciousness. In addition, (4) the Law of Causality is a corollary of the Law of Identity. The Primacy of Existence states that reality (the universe, that which is) exists independently of human consciousness. The Law of Identity states that anything that exists is qualitatively determinate, that is, has a fixed, finite nature. The Axiom of Consciousness is the proposition that consciousness is irreducible. The Law of Causality states that things act in accordance with their natures. These propositions are all held in Objectivism to be [[axiom]]atic. According to Objectivism, the proof of a proposition's being axiomatic is that it is both (a) [[self-evident]] and (b) cannot coherently be denied, because any argument against the proposition would have to suppose its truth.

	~~=== The Primacy of Existence ===~~
	The Primacy of Existence premise says that reality is objective: the universe exists independently of the particular psychological states (beliefs, desires, etc.) of individual cognizers. This view was also held by [[Aristotle]]. Objectivism distinguishes The Primacy of Existence from the Primacy of Consciousness. The Primacy of Consciousness holds that consciousness is prior to existence. It is the view that one could, in principle, be conscious exclusively and entirely of one's self. Objectivism rejects this view: it holds that objects present themselves to consciousness in such a way that they must be genuinely "other," that is, non-identical to one's own consciousness. This axiom is the basis of the Objectivist refutation of both [[theism]] and [[idealism]]. Though Objectivism grants that some particular existents are mental (e.g., minds, thoughts, desires, intentions), it holds that, if what fundamentally exists is independent of any consciousness, then the universe as a whole is neither the creation of a divine consciousness nor itself mental. (This argument is laid out in Chapter 1 of [[Leonard Peikoff]]'s ''[[Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand]]'').

	~~=== The Law of Identity ===~~
	The Law of Identity states that everything that exists has an ''identity.'' In saying this, Objectivism is asserting more than the tautology of self-identity (i.e., "everything is identical to itself"). It is asserting that everything that exists has a specific nature, consisting of various properties or characteristics (as Rand wrote, "to be is to be something in particular"). Moreover, Objectivism holds that the properties and characteristics in question must exist each in a specific measure or degree; in this respect "identity" also means ''finitude''. According to Objectivism, then, everything that exists has a specific finite nature. To have a specific, finite nature, is incompatible with having a self-contradictory nature. Therefore, the whole of reality is ''noncontradictory''; though contradictions might exist in thought, there are no contradictions in the real world.

	~~=== The Axiom of Consciousness ===~~
	This axiom states that consciousness is an irreducible primary. It cannot be analyzed in terms of other concepts and it is at the foundation of all knowledge. While we can study the faculty of consciousness, we cannot study what it means to be conscious as such. She writes that "consciousness is conscious," affirming both that the thinker is conscious and that he is conscious of something external to himself. She writes, "If nothing exists, there can be no consciousness: a consciousness with nothing to be conscious of is a contradiction in terms" (''[[Atlas Shrugged]]'', p. 1015). One cannot be self-conscious without first being aware of something other than one's awareness. Rand's axioms of consciousness is different from Descartes' Cogito principle in that Descartes' Cogito is an a priori principle, while Rand's axiom of consciousness is a self-evidency only available in perception.

	~~=== The Law of Causality ===~~
	Each thing's specific nature ''determines how it acts.'' This principle is Objectivism's formulation of the Law of [[Causality]]; it is held to be a corollary of the Law of Identity (see above). Contemporary philosophers define the Law of Causality differently, e.g., as "Every event has a cause." Objectivism rejects this contemporary definition because it leads to paradoxes concerning free will and cosmology. A further implication of the Objectivist account of causality concerns explanation: since genuine explanation is causal, nature can only be explained in terms of nature (i.e., without reference to the [[supernatural]]).

	~~==== Mind and body ====~~
	Another Objectivist doctrine deserves mention here: Objectivism rejects the mind-body dichotomy, holding that the mind and body are an integrated whole. Though this doctrine may sound like a stance in the philosophy of mind — a doctrine concerning the relationship between consciousness (mind) and brain (body) — it is not. Rather, it amounts chiefly to the assertions that (a) there are both mental existents and physical existents, and (b) existents of both sorts have genuine causal powers, though whether entities of either sort, or their causal powers, can be reductively explained is another matter. This doctrine represents a rejection of any forced choice between Marxian materialism and Christian spiritualism. Marxists hold that the material factors of production have metaphysical priority over consciousness. Christian spiritualists hold that reality is fundamentally spiritual (a view declared heretical by Catholic and Orthodox doctrines). Objectivism rejects both views: physical entities and mental entities both exist, and neither is more real than the other. Though this doctrine may entail the rejection of eliminativism, Objectivism does not offer any particular metaphysical or scientific explanation of the relationship between mind and body in the philosophy of mind. However, Harry Binswanger, a prominent Objectivist philosopher, argues in his lecture course, "The Metaphysics of Consciousness," in favor of substance dualism. He rejects not only eliminativism and materialism, but even the property dualism of David Chalmers and the emergentism of John Searle.

	~~[[Category: Metaphysics]]~~