Metaphysical

Metaphysical refers to the branch of philosophy that studies the ultimate nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter, substance and attribute, potentiality and actuality. The word "metaphysical" is derived from the Greek words "meta" (beyond) and "physika" (physics).

History

The term "metaphysics" was first used by Aristotle, who combined the words "meta" and "physika" to describe the study of "what comes after physics". This was later misinterpreted by Medieval scholars to mean "the science of what is beyond the physical".

Branches of Metaphysics

Metaphysics is divided into two main branches: ontology, which studies the nature of being and existence; and cosmology, which studies the origin and structure of the universe.

Ontology

Ontology is the study of being and existence. It explores questions such as "What is existence?", "What is a thing?", "What is the nature of reality?" and "What is the meaning of life?".

Cosmology

Cosmology is the study of the origin and structure of the universe. It explores questions such as "What is the nature of the universe?", "What is its origin?" and "What is its destiny?".

Metaphysical Theories

There are many different theories within metaphysics, including dualism, monism, idealism, materialism, and pluralism.

Dualism

Dualism is the belief that reality is composed of two fundamental types of substance: mind and matter.

Monism

Monism is the belief that reality is composed of a single type of substance.

Idealism

Idealism is the belief that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual in nature.

Materialism

Materialism is the belief that reality is fundamentally physical or material in nature.

Pluralism

Pluralism is the belief that reality is composed of multiple types of substance.

See Also

• Philosophy
• Epistemology
• Ethics
• Aesthetics
• Logic

Metaphysical Resources
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