Metaphysics
Beyond physical inquiry
Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy concerned with the fundamental nature of reality—what exists, what kinds of things exist, and how they relate.
It asks questions like: What is time?
Do abstract objects exist?
What makes something the same thing over time?
The word often appears dismissively to mean abstract speculation detached from practical concerns: That's all just metaphysics.
In casual use, metaphysical sometimes blurs with spiritual or supernatural: a metaphysical bookstore selling crystals and tarot cards.
Study of existence's nature
- existenceState of being real
- beingExisting as something
- realityWhat actually exists
- substancePhysical material with mass
essence · causation · first principles · Aristotle · universals · particulars · modality · necessity
Innermost animating essence
- afterlifeExistence beyond mortality
- transcendenceSurpassing usual limits
- consciousnessState of sentient awareness
- higher planeSuperior level of being
reincarnation · karma · cosmic · divine · eternal · spirit · enlightenment · astral
Unproven theorizing or risky investment
- theoreticalBased on hypothesis, untested
- intangibleNot physically present
- conceptualOf or relating to ideas
- ineffableBeyond verbal expression
profound · unknowable · meaning of life · cosmic purpose · first cause · prime mover · unconditioned · absolute
ontology
Study of existence's nature
substance · essence · causation · first principles · Aristotle · universals · particulars · modality · necessity · possibility
soul
Innermost animating essence
- afterlifeExistence beyond mortality
- transcendenceSurpassing usual limits
- consciousnessState of sentient awareness
higher plane · reincarnation · karma · cosmic · divine · eternal · spirit · enlightenment · astral · meditation
speculation
Unproven theorizing or risky investment
- theoreticalBased on hypothesis, untested
- intangibleNot physically present
- conceptualOf or relating to ideas
ineffable · profound · unknowable · meaning of life · cosmic purpose · first cause · prime mover · unconditioned · absolute · totality
- philosophyethics, logic, ontology, epistemology, axiology
- ancient philosophyPlato, Aristotle, Socrates, Platonism, Epicureanism
- ancient textsscrolls, scroll, Euclid's Elements, Epic of Gilgamesh, codex
- AristotleLyceum, logic, ethics, telos, rhetoric
- Greek classicsHomer, Iliad, Plato, Odyssey, Aristotle
- philosophical writingstreatises, dialogues, discourses, meditations, critiques
Metaphysicsempiricism
Knowledge through observation
physics · positivism · natural science · experimental science · scientific method
Metaphysicsethics
Study of right conduct
physics · applied science · epistemology · engineering · logic
- metaphysical poetryVerse blending intellect and emotion