Jonas

St. Francis De Sales Major Seminary

College Department

Marawoy, Lipa City

Tel./Fax No. (043) 756-1547

STATEMENTS FOR COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS IN PHILOSOPHY

METAPHYSICS

1. Metaphysics is the science of beings as beings. Accordingly, it deals with immaterial beings whether positively or negatively.

2. The idea being has the following characteristics: most abstract, most common, most simple, most transcendental, most indeterminate, and that it is the first idea in the logical and in the chronological order.

In application to inferiors, the idea being is likened to a Genus, but is not simply and literally a genus; it is a genus by analogy or an analogical genus. The idea being applies to inferiors by analogy. (Ontology, Glenn)

3. Being may be distinguished as real and logical. There are four supreme principles of Being (identity, contradiction, excluded middle, and sufficient reason)

Being has five properties. (Ontology, Glenn)

Real finite beings may be classified into ten (10) predicamentals. (Ontology, Glenn)

4. Act and potency so embrace beings that whatever exists, is either Pure Act or a composition of act and potency.

Act can be limited only by potency. This limitation implies multiplicity. Consequently, in any order in which act is pure it must be unlimited (infinite) and therefore, unique. But whenever it is found to be limited (finite), and therefore multiplied, it must be united with potency to make a composite being.

5. In order of existence, finite beings are multiplied because they are composed of essence and “to be” that are to each other as potency and act and are really distinct.

In the order of essence, finite beings are multiplied in the same specific nature if their essence is composed of matter and form that are to each other as potency and act and are really distinct.

In the order or activity, finite beings are multiplied because...