Metaphysics
Midterm Study Sheet
Midterm: March 5, 2009
Short Answer Section. The following list of terms is to assist you in studying for the short
answer section of the exam. There will be 10 short answer questions, of which you are to
answer 8 (5 points each).
Philosophy’s innermost ground
Intelligibility of being
Principle of identity
Principle of sufficient reason
‘that which is’
transcendental
analogy of proper proportionality
be-ing (act of existence)
unity
end-in-view
radical/mitigated monism
radical/mitigated pluralism
co-principles of similarity/dissimilarity
limiting essence
form/matter as co-principles
act and potency
bundle theory of self
substance and accident
substantial change
many faces of being
circle of being
Essay Question. Two of the following three will be on the exam. You are to write an
essay on one of those two (60 points).
1. Clarke argues that the ultimate meaning of being for Aquinas is that it is simply
‘that which is.’ As Clarke unpacks this meaning, unpacks the meaning of ‘that
which is,’ he uncovers (discovers) a series of co-principles. What are these coprinciples and why does he argue for them rather than for one principle or two
separate principles?
2. Throughout The One and the Many, Clarke contrasts the Thomistic metaphysics
he embraces from a number of other philosophical approaches. Discuss some of
these other approaches and contrast what Clarke (and/or you) sees as their relative
strengths and weaknesses compared to the Thomistic approach.
3. After surveying the various ways in which being is ‘intelligible,’ or the ‘many
faces of being’ as Clarke describes it, Clarke then argues that being as dynamic
act, as creation, has an ultimate purpose. What is this ultimate purpose, or circle
of being as Clarke understands it?