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Academy Resources Glossary of Philosophical Terms Timeline of Philosophy A Timeline of American Philosophy Diagram: Development of Philosophic Thought Diagram: Divisions of Philosophy The Philosophy Resource Center The Religion Resource Center Books about Philosophy in The Radical Academy Bookstore Books about Religion in The Radical Academy Bookstore Click Here for New & Used College Textbooks at Discount Prices Click Here for College Education Information & Study Resources Shop Amazon Stores in the Radical Academy Bookstore Magazine Outlet Music Store Classical Music Store Video Store DVD Store Computer Store Camera & Photo Store Computer/Video Games Software Store Musical Instruments Outlet Store Cellular Phones Toys & Games Tools & Hardware Automotive Store Outdoor Living Consumer Electronics Home & Garden Kitchen & Housewares Baby Superstore Apparel & Accessories Gourmet Food Grocery Store Sporting Goods Jewelry & Watches Health & Personal Care Beauty Store		(Scroll down for Summary Outline)   The Wonder of Matter Glossary The Material Universe - the whole body of things and phenomena observed or postulated; Cosmos; or a systematic whole held to arise and persist through the direct intervention of divine power. (Webster's Dictionary.) The universe as a "body" consists at least of such interrelated parts as the subatomic particles that existed before the formation of atoms and which sprang from the inherent principle of plurality and inner energy that constituted the universe at its base. The outward appearance of this composite principle of plurality and inner energy became observable through the "mass" and "energy" of those particles. To some extent, in the light of modern science, we can "look back" and trace the expansion and development of the universe since its first beginnings.   The universe as a "systematic whole" requires a subsistence of its own, which however depends on the all-embracing relationship that binds the whole of creation to God. Matter - the substance of which a physical object is composed, or a material substance that occupies space and has weight, that constitutes the observable universe, and that together with energy forms the basis of objective phenomena; a material substance of a particular kind or for a particular purpose, e.g., a vegetable substance. (Webster's Dictionary.) Occupation of space, weight and energy are the observable phenomena (interrelated characteristics) that manifest a deeper reality -- the substance of a physical object, which is simultaneously a distinct individual and a part of the universe.   As an individual each material substance has its own subsistence, with its own inner parts organized in a definite way according to its own inner energy (principle of activity, species, form or thought-pattern.)   As a part of the universe each material thing is one of many kinds of matter which has multiplied within the universe, all consisting of the same basic substance, but different among themselves by the design and organization proper to each thing and by a limited autonomy of its own.   In relation to the universe as a whole, each material thing is a "part"; but when constituted as a distinct unit (through its own subsistence), it is a "principle of plurality" like the basic stuff of the universe from which it is derived. As such it has become a "whole" which is understood to be designed with as many "inner parts" as are necessary for the activity proper to it and for their outward manifestation in observable energy and mass.   Our thought must be satisfied with expressing the nature of individual things in terms of their necessary connection with such energy and mass. But, at a deeper level we understand that the source of the observable energy and mass in a given reality is "something distinct" whole observable parts and energy require a "part" of matter in a more fundamental sense and a source of energy proper to it. Philosophically, this involves "subsistence," "matter," and "form."   Summary Outline Enrich Your Life With a Philosophy Book... Enrich Your Life With a Philosophy Magazine... Main Page & Index
Summary Outline Existential Order Essential Order Accidental Order The Material Universe The Act of Existence A singular mode of existence - the subsistence of the material universe or the bond by which all the parts of the universe are related together in one whole. Original Matter: a composite essence in potency to existence: The "without" or the accidental manifestation of the material universe: a principle of plurality, the source of inner "parts" - "actual matter" [1] (intrinsic quantity) capable of many forms and in proximate potency to "inner energy." a dynamic principle of activity: inner energy: the first essential act or form of the material universe. the mass of the universe. energy in one or many of its forms - light, electromagnetism, radiation, gravitation. [2] A Single Atom of Any Kind The Act of Existence Subsistence (singularity) of the atom in question; the ontological bond uniting the composite essence of an atom into one whole. A composite essence in potency to existence: Particles of matter in a definite arrangement as listed in the periodic table. Tangential energy proper to a given atom. Also, the strong force that holds an atomic nucleus together (an indication not only of the inner energy of the atom, but also of its singular unity and subsistence). a portion of actual matter described above capable of a definite atomic form. the dynamic principle of activity: inner energy of the atom in question. [1] As pointed out in the article the term "matter" is used in several analogous meanings: a) Primary matter: matter abstractly considered as an indeterminate principle or pure potency; b) "Actual" matter: the principle of plurality of parts capable of many forms (intrinsic quantity); c) Material substance: a composite of "actual" matter (parts) and an inner source of activity (form); d) Original matter: the matter created in the beginning - a composition of "actual" matter and its dynamic principle of inner energy; e) Secondary matter: matter as we usually find it - an observable center of energy whose parts are manifested externally in measurable mass or extrinsic quantity. "Matter" = existential act (existence) + subsistence (singular mode) + essential act (a composite of an inner dynamic center with inner parts) + accidental acts (energy and mass). [2] Gravitation is a sign not only of the inner energy of the universe but also of its inner centricity and subsistence as well as its finality. Return to The Wonder of Matter: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4 Main Page & Index
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