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Definition:
The term metaphysics is derived from the Greek phrase Ta Meta ta Phuskia, which simply
means "the works after the book on physics." When a librarian was cataloging
Aristotle's works, he did not have a title for the material which he wanted to shelve
after the material called "physics," so he simply called it "after physics."
Originally, this wasn't even a subject at all - it was just a collection of
notes on different topics.
In Western philosophy, metaphysics is the study of all reality - what is it, why is it, and how are we to understand it. Some, like logical positivists, have argued that the agenda of metaphysics is largely pointless and can't accomplish anything.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Metaphysics?
In Western philosophy, metaphysics has become the study of the fundamental nature of all reality - what is it, why is it, and how are we to understand it. Some only regard metaphysics as the study of "higher" reality or the "invisible" nature behind everything, but that isn't actually true. It is, instead, the study of all of reality, visible and invisible.What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
