Three metaphysical positions - 1 Three metaphysical positions compared zA 2nd problem raised by Plato’s Republic: dualistic & non-dualistic metaphysics (the first problem discussed was the nature of justice) zPlato ySharply dualistic xThe realm of Ideas or Forms & the physical world

Three metaphysical positions Three metaphysical positions compared ySir Arthur Eddington (English, ) xTwo tables xBut is Eddington proposing that there are two realms? xIs Eddington defending metaphysical reductionism? xCritique

Three metaphysical positions Three metaphysical positions compared yIan Barbour (winner of the 1999 Templeton prize for progress in religion) xRejects metaphysical reductionism; accepts methodological reductionism Are emergent properties which cannot be reduced Barbour’s alternative: –Reality is made up of a multi-level continuum

Three metaphysical positions Three metaphysical positions compared –One way to divide up this multi- level continuum religion art history societies organisms cells molecules atomic subatomic

Three metaphysical positions Three metaphysical positions compared –How might the mind & body fit into such a metaphysics?