Metaphysics and a Discussion of a Wide Array of Concepts - Essay Example

METAPHYSICAL CONCEPTS Metaphysical Concepts Through metaphysical concepts, it is possible to understand and even give different understandings of reality. Evidently, metaphysics allows for an explanation of the universal elements of reality especially the concepts that can be seen through our own senses. This essay will assess being, existence and essence and lastly act and potency as different forms of metaphysical concepts. Act and potency The concepts of act and potency can be linked to Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas1. Through the thoughts and different analysis of the proponents of this metaphysical concept, it is evident that all human beings operate both on potency and act. As seen in the research conducted by Dodds, potency simply refers to a kind of non-existence displayed by individuals2. This explains that potency is a form of an imperfect act. Potency has also been described as a force that is inhibited in action3. Individuals can, therefore, display potency in a way that displays their restrained force. In line with this thought, it is arguable that potency is a form of reality that exits between absolute nothing and the being in existence. Aristotle explains that potency exists but can be manipulated, determined and even transformed into nothing4,5,6 .This explains that from nothing, nothing can also result. Since potency is determinable, it can be indicated to be in the process of transformation. Potency can then be indicated to an imperfect actuality that is in motion and is in the process of becoming. This thought advances that of St. Thomas who differentiated the concept of passive and active potency. Passive potency as St. Thomas writes is not a mere possibility while active potency is infinite and one that is an active force. Active potency is also one that is only produced by Supreme Beings7. On the other hand, act refers to the capacity to receive some form of perfection. It is of essence to note that act is constrained by potency that is the recipient of act. Nonetheless act can either be pure and unlimited. This depends on the manner in which the act is composed by potency. Aristotle explains that act can also determines potency and can even actualize potency8. St. Thomas is of the opinion that act is a form of perfection that can only be limited by perfection9. Simply put, the limitations of act can also emanate from within or by the forces that are produces the act. Nonetheless, it is of great importance to question whether if act can be limited by other forces or solely that produces act10. In addition, act is greatly by the subject in question, but the same can be measured on the grounds of time and subject. Act is then a product of potency and existence. St. Thomas insists that pure act, since it is only through God that individuals can identify with existence. Humans can also act on their free will and the dependence of their actions determine if actual reality will be achieved or not. Existence and essence Existence refers to the sense of actuality in the life of beings. This concept of metaphysics was coined by St. Thomas who defines existence as an act of the spirit as opposed with the secondary act11. This is to mean that existence is the actuality of all forms of nature. Whether existence is real or whether it is not real can only be explained through existence. Existence is real and is at times contradicted by nature as well as potentiality of occurrence. Perfect existence has also been linked to the presence of God12. In line with this thought, it is arguable that existence can be distinguished from the essence which it triggers. However, one can easily question whether the existence of creatures has any form of relationship to physical existence. This relates to the thought that there is need to differentiate between the physical existence and the actual existence in the physical order. St. Thomas questions whether there is a real discrepancy between the existence of creatures and that of other entities13. What is clear, therefore, is the fact that there is a major difference between the existence of a physical essence and the essence of existence. God, in this case, is in control of existence and not the creatures. Rene Descartes explains that existence is a form of perfection14. Logically, existence is real and can even be experienced and validated through the natural existence of things and property especially in the event of giving evidence of these things being present. On the other hand, essence involves making a substance what it is through necessity. A devoid of essence leads to a substance losing its identity. The concept was coined by Aristotle who explains that substance must always strive to maintain their identity15. Through essence different variations of existence can easily be analyzed and the condition in which they allow existence. John Locke also explains on the concept of essence by linking essence to realism16. This results from the fact that real essence is linked to physical existence of objects and the qualities that can be observed from these objects. The abstract ideas that define an object or a particular species can be used to define essence17. The ability to generate ideas in our minds is also linked to essence since this concept helps give definitions to different concepts. This explains that the internal constitution of a substance is the rationale behind the internal constitution of the substance. Nonetheless, Karl Marx brings in an interesting concept by arguing that human existence and essence are disparate based on the thought that human nature is social in nature and that humans have the right to engage in the activities they wish to in a conscious approach18. Simply put, essence may refer to any physical attribute on an individual, and the attributes may be immeasurable based on the nature of the individual19. Essence can then be indicated to be the source of happiness or even misery to the persons in question. Being Metaphysics is also greatly linked to the concept of being. Beings refers to the concepts that have a form of existence whether property or any other aspect that exist. Nonetheless the concept of being is extremely broad and comprises of aspects that touch on reality and existence. In the work of Davies, the author explains that being is greatly linked to the concept of subjectivity that is naturally expressed by the human beings20. Being is linked to Socrates who expresses the evolving nature of the beings. Aristotle also explains the concept of the being by explaining that there are different levels of the being depending on their classes21. Being is also being since there is no clear midway between the concept of being and non-being. The appearance of the beings can also be termed as a form of delusion as beings simply move with the flow of reality. Beings have also been greatly linked with substance that is comprised of elements. In the thought of Thomas Aquinas for instance, if the being does not exist, then the unity of existence can be easily questioned22. Through existence, being can be reproduced or rather, existence is the source of being and is continually in existence. On another line of thought, John Dewey explains that being is static and cannot be easily changed23. Being is also not perfect and lifelong and refers to the source of reality that exists in the realm of existence24. Thus explains that beings comprise of what is existent in the world despite it being followed a positive and negative connotation. Being can then be understood as a state of being that results from human or personal experiences. The human beings, therefore express or manifest what comes from their inner selves. The inner forms of expressions of human beings can therefore be described as the basis of the concept of being, that ultimately gives meaning to all expressions of being25. The individual nature of the being is therefore solely dependent on the being and all forms of manifestations that are existent in the world. In line with thus thought, it is evident that being does not rely on consciousness but on the being itself and the actions that revolve around the being. For the case of the human beings, it is evident that their being is in the form of material and depends on the existence of the soul to survive26. The concept of dualism of the being, therefore, comes up especially with the thought of Aquinas expressing both the physical and spiritual nature of the being. Nature can therefore not be extinct is the being does not express forms of physicality and spiritual aspects27. In conclusion, it is clear that metaphysics involves a discussion of a wide array of concepts. This essay has focused on the discussion of the being as a metaphysical concept, existence and essence and lastly act and potency. The terms help elaborate what is beyond our own experiences and understanding. Bibliography Boland OP, Vivian. St Thomas Aquinas. NY: A&C Black, 2007. Bonnette, D. Aquinas’ Proofs for God’s Existence: St. Thomas Aquinas on: “The Per Accidens Necessarily Implies the Per Se”. Hague: Springer Science & Business Media, 2012. Copleston, Frederick. History of Philosophy Volume 2: Medieval Philosophy. NY: A&C Black, 2003. Davies, Brian. Thomas Aquinas: Contemporary Philosophical Perspectives. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002. Dodds, Michael J. The Unchanging God of Love: Thomas Aquinas and Contemporary Theology on Divine Immutability. NY: CUA Press, 2008. Doig, J.C. Aquinas on Metaphysics: A Historico-Doctrinal Study of the Commentary on the Metaphysics. Hague: Springer Science & Business Media, 2012. Hughes, Christopher. Aquinas on Being, Goodness, and God. London & NY: Routledge, 2015. Saint Thomas, Aquinas. The Commentary of St. Thomas Aquinas on Aristotles Treatise on the soul. Moscow: Рипол Классик, n.d. Wilde, Richard E. The Immortal Self. Arizona: Wheatmark, Inc., 2010. Wippel, John F. The Metaphysical Thought of Thomas Aquinas: From Finite Being to Uncreated Being. NY: CUA Press, 2000. Read More