Metaphysics
Final Exam Study Sheet
Short Answer Questions. The following list of terms is to help you prepare for the short
answer section of the exam. There will be 12 short answer questions on the exam, of
which you are to answer 10 (4 points each).
Intuition
Analysis
Multiple vs. multiplicity
(mistakes of) rationalists/empiricists
duration
homogenous time
natural bent of intellect
metaphysics and science (Bergson)
Event
Untimely
oblivion of Being
learning vs. knowing
nothing
beings (essents)
standardization of man
grammar/etymology
emerging appearing
logos
aletheia
Essay question. Two of the following three topics will be on the final, of which you are to
write an essay on one of the two (60 points):
1. To do metaphysics properly, according to Bergson, one must use intuition rather
than analysis, and yet the natural bent of the mind is precisely to use analysis.
Clarify what Bergson means by the distinction between intuition and analysis and
why, moreover, he argues that metaphysics can only be done by way of intuition.
Be specific and detailed in your discussions.
2. On several points Heidegger and Bergson appear to agree about the fundamental
nature of metaphysics, and yet on some key points there appear to be some crucial
differences (though you can argue, of course, that such differences are merely
apparent and not real). Focus on two or three themes you take to be central to
metaphysics and lay out what you take to be the similarities and differences
between Heidegger and Bergson.
3. Heidegger associates the forgetfulness (oblivion) of being with the
standardization of man, among many other things of which he is critical. How
does Heidegger address Being; in short, how does he attempt to do metaphysics
and overcome the forgetfulness of Being. How, in turn, does this undo, if at all,
the cultural tendency for the standardization of man.