I, as a philosophy major who actually studies this stuff, will post a real definition for metaphysics since many definitions are bullshit for the most part.
There are two kinds of metaphysics:
-General metaphysics (universal)
-Special metaphysics (particular)
General metaphysics is the study of ultimate reality as in the big picture of reality and is done empirically by most contemporary philosophers. Items of study in general metaphysics are categories, universals, attributes etc. This is not necessarily the study of any afterlife or upper reality; that subject is a matter of special metaphysics. Universals by D.M. Armstrong is a good example of what general metaphysics is.
Special metaphysics has potentially an infinite number of sub branches, each studying one particular subject. One such subject may be ghosts and spirits but most contemporary philosophers don't take this particular subject mater seriously. Topics that are taken seriously are philosophy of mind and psychology, personal identity, and aesthetics.
Unlike physics which studies concrete objects, metaphysics studies abstract objects like mathematics, logic etc.
There are two kinds of metaphysics:
-General metaphysics (universal)
-Special metaphysics (particular)
General metaphysics is the study of ultimate reality as in the big picture of reality and is done empirically by most contemporary philosophers. Items of study in general metaphysics are categories, universals, attributes etc. This is not necessarily the study of any afterlife or upper reality; that subject is a matter of special metaphysics. Universals by D.M. Armstrong is a good example of what general metaphysics is.
Special metaphysics has potentially an infinite number of sub branches, each studying one particular subject. One such subject may be ghosts and spirits but most contemporary philosophers don't take this particular subject mater seriously. Topics that are taken seriously are philosophy of mind and psychology, personal identity, and aesthetics.
Unlike physics which studies concrete objects, metaphysics studies abstract objects like mathematics, logic etc.
1. In a hypothetical situation:
Ray Comfort: I call my paranormal investigation metaphysics to sound scientific.
Me: Most metaphysicians don't take your definition seriously.
2. General metaphysics
Do two red blocks share a universal property of the color red or do they have their own instance of having the color red? That is to ask is there a universal thing called "the property red" that exists in more than one place at one time or is there no such thing?
3. Special metaphysics (personal identity):
Is a fetus identical to a person in the future? If so then the fetus is a person. If not then it is not a person.
Ray Comfort: I call my paranormal investigation metaphysics to sound scientific.
Me: Most metaphysicians don't take your definition seriously.
2. General metaphysics
Do two red blocks share a universal property of the color red or do they have their own instance of having the color red? That is to ask is there a universal thing called "the property red" that exists in more than one place at one time or is there no such thing?
3. Special metaphysics (personal identity):
Is a fetus identical to a person in the future? If so then the fetus is a person. If not then it is not a person.
by SocraticFox March 6, 2012
Get the Metaphysics mug.1. A branch of philosophy that studies the relationship between mind and matter
2. Often used to describe things that lack the "facts" to be classified as "real" or accepted
3. Related to paranormal phenomena
2. Often used to describe things that lack the "facts" to be classified as "real" or accepted
3. Related to paranormal phenomena
by Shay'oul December 19, 2003
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A branch of philosophy that deals with the study of nature regarding existence and the Universe.
It tells you whether reality is real or an illusion.
It tells you whether reality is real or an illusion.
by viXXXXXXXen February 11, 2010
Get the Metaphysics mug.Not total bullshit and not the truth either, sort of like dreaming. Or, to be less polite, sort of like religion, art and morality.
In Metaphysics we are in the realm of ideas.
Metaphysics can only take us so far.
To know more would require the study of the physiology and history of the evolution of organisms and concepts.
Metaphysics can only take us so far.
To know more would require the study of the physiology and history of the evolution of organisms and concepts.
by Nietzschele June 7, 2018
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by AlisonandDan May 24, 2005
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Get the metaphysics mug.I am not a philosophy major as you'd have to be an idiot to major in philosophy. Thus, the below statements are verified by the fact that they're understandable by general people and make actual sense, not that they sound fancy.
Definition 1. Logical analysis to determine the nature of the reality that observable, scientific reality exists within. Absolutely (necessarily) separated from empirical analysis of observable, scientific reality (these are 'physics').
'Meta' means 'around', 'before', 'encompassing all within'. 'Meta topics' in any forum are discussion of the forum itself, rather than specific contents the forum is meant to discuss. 'Metadiscussion' as a topic, is discussion of discussion. 'Meta analysis' of scientific journals is scientific analysis of all scientific data.
Physics is the study of change in the Universe.
Metaphysics, just literally read, means logical or empirical analysis to determine the nature of the reality within which all that is analysed by physics, the Universe, is.
Definition 2. Goddamn anything you want. Anything that isn't metaphysics by the above definition and is still called metaphysics, is metaphysics because someone said it is.
Anyone wanting to add to the definitions: listing examples isn't providing a definition. Philosophy is nothing if not comprehensible, ie. either using language that's clearly defined, or using language that's all of: literally interpretable, logically cohesive, and warranted in actual use.
Definition 1. Logical analysis to determine the nature of the reality that observable, scientific reality exists within. Absolutely (necessarily) separated from empirical analysis of observable, scientific reality (these are 'physics').
'Meta' means 'around', 'before', 'encompassing all within'. 'Meta topics' in any forum are discussion of the forum itself, rather than specific contents the forum is meant to discuss. 'Metadiscussion' as a topic, is discussion of discussion. 'Meta analysis' of scientific journals is scientific analysis of all scientific data.
Physics is the study of change in the Universe.
Metaphysics, just literally read, means logical or empirical analysis to determine the nature of the reality within which all that is analysed by physics, the Universe, is.
Definition 2. Goddamn anything you want. Anything that isn't metaphysics by the above definition and is still called metaphysics, is metaphysics because someone said it is.
Anyone wanting to add to the definitions: listing examples isn't providing a definition. Philosophy is nothing if not comprehensible, ie. either using language that's clearly defined, or using language that's all of: literally interpretable, logically cohesive, and warranted in actual use.
by Geraurban September 29, 2021
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