PhB Bachelor of Philosophy Metaphysics and Reality 3

Question 1

The A-theory of time holds that there is an objective distinction between past, present, and future, and that:

Accepted Answer

The present is objectively privileged and time genuinely flows

Answer

A-theorists (presentists and growing block theorists) maintain that temporal becoming is real—the present moment has an objective, privileged status.

Question 2

Nominalism about universals is the view that:

Accepted Answer

Only particular concrete individuals exist; there are no abstract universals

Answer

Nominalists deny the existence of abstract universals, explaining apparent similarity among things purely in terms of predicate use or resemblance between particulars.

Question 3

Personal identity over time is often analyzed in terms of which of the following criteria?

Accepted Answer

Psychological continuity, physical continuity, or narrative identity

Answer

Philosophers propose psychological continuity (Locke, Parfit), physical/biological continuity (Olson), or narrative self-conception as criteria for what makes you the same person over time.

Question 4

The principle of sufficient reason, associated with Leibniz, states that:

Accepted Answer

Everything that exists has a cause or reason for its existence

Answer

Leibniz's principle of sufficient reason holds that nothing happens without there being a reason why it is so rather than otherwise.

Question 5

Mereology is the philosophical study of:

Accepted Answer

Parts and wholes, and the relations between them

Answer

Mereology examines questions like: when do parts compose a whole? Can two things share the same parts? Is a lump of clay identical to a statue made of it?

PhB Bachelor of Philosophy Practice Test

PhB Bachelor of Philosophy Practice Test

PhB Bachelor of Philosophy Metaphysics and Reality 3