METAPHYSICS Defining Metaphysics Basically means after the physicals

METAPHYSICS

Defining Metaphysics • Basically means “after the physicals” • Comes from referencing Aristotle’s library – Aristotle had a series of 14 books that came after his section on the natural world (physics) – Aristotle categorized them as ‘first philosophy’, ‘first science’, ‘wisdom’, and ‘theology’ – all of which were not physical in nature • Later became a catch all for anything that could not be classified in other branches of philosophy • Generally deals with concepts regarding being, the being of objects, and the being of special objects, such as souls

Goals of Metaphysics • Attempts to examine the fundamental nature of reality and offer an explanation of the structure of the world and our perception of the world – Includes relations between mind and matter – Substances vs. Attributes (the nature of objects) – Possibility vs. Actuality – The nature of space and time – The nature of cause and effect • Comes down to two main questions: 1. What is there? 2. What is it like?

Metaphysics vs. Science • Differs from scientific theories – Scientific theories aim to explain the observable – Can be disproven by comparing results with the predictions • Metaphysical ideas cannot necessarily be disproven the same way – Ex. "for every atom in this universe, there is a corresponding atom in a parallel universe" – The statement cannot be disproven (yet) because we cannot detect the presence of atoms in parallel universes (yet) – Until parallel universes are observable, the idea belongs to metaphysics, not science • Previously unobservable ideas became observable – metaphysics becames science – Ex. Atoms. Used to be argued about from philosophical perspective, now observable with scientific instruments

Metaphysics vs. Religion • Religion is a system of beliefs involving faith and worship • Because metaphysics attempts to explain the nature of things, it may come in conflict with religion • Religion often attempts to explain how the universe works as well • Given the potential for crossover, it is important to be mindful of what is considered sacred to various religions • Some metaphysical questions seem religious in nature – Ex. Does God exist? Even if the answer is yes, metaphysics does not give direction on how to engage with a divine being • The two are separate, so it is important to be aware of the distinction when discussing ideas