Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the study of the nature of reality and the universe. It is concerned with understanding the fundamental nature of existence, including the relationship between mind and matter, substance and attribute, cause and effect, and the concepts of space and time.

At its core, metaphysics explores the nature of being, existence, and reality, and it attempts to answer questions such as: What is the nature of reality? What is the nature of existence? What is the relationship between the mind and the body? What is the relationship between cause and effect? What is the nature of time and space?

Key Areas of Metaphysics

  • Ontology
  • Epistemology
  • Causation, free will, nature of time and space

One of the key areas of metaphysics is ontology, which is the study of the nature of being and existence. Ontology explores the different categories of being, such as substance, property, event, and relation, and examines their relationship to one another.

Another important area of metaphysics is epistemology, which is the study of knowledge and belief. Epistemology explores the nature of knowledge, how we acquire it, and how we can know things to be true. It also examines the relationship between knowledge and belief, and the ways in which we can justify our beliefs.

In addition to ontology and epistemology, metaphysics also includes the study of other philosophical concepts, such as causation, identity, free will, and the nature of time and space. It attempts to provide a comprehensive understanding of reality and to answer some of the deepest and most fundamental questions about existence.

Therefore, metaphysics is a highly complex and abstract field of philosophy that seeks to understand the fundamental nature of reality, being, and existence. It is an ongoing process of inquiry and investigation that has captivated philosophers for centuries and continues to be an important area of study in contemporary philosophy.

This philosophical article extensively discusses the meaning and concept of metaphysics, examines its philosophical foundation, digests the metaphysical thoughts in the different periods of philosophy, and delineates the relevance and importance of metaphysics in the contemporary era (to contemporary society).

Metaphysics from a layman’s perspective

Philosophy (as well as metaphysics), as an area of study, is lately attracting a lack of patronage because it neither “puts food on the table nor builds bridges.” This is a manner of describing the commonplace opinion that philosophy is an abstract “speculative reasoning or exercise about the cosmos or reality and thus has no direct relevance or contribution to make in practical issues of human existence.”

For many, philosophy is thought to be an abstract and impractical pursuit with no real-world value. But is this really the case? From debunking fallacies to developing critical thinking skills, philosophy has a lot to offer students and society as a whole. Find out below why a philosophy degree is more valuable than many people realize.

Furthermore, philosophy students often face questions about the practical applications of their studies. As a result, they frequently query their lecturers to know the essence of studying philosophy: What is the value of philosophy? What job can I do after studying philosophy?

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The Etymology and Origin of Metaphysics

The term “metaphysics” comes from the Greek words “meta,” meaning “beyond” or “after,” and “physika,” meaning “physics.” Did you know that there’s more to the world than what meets the eye? That’s where the study of metaphysics comes in. It’s the study of things beyond physical appearance, the exploration of the unknown, and the search for answers to the most fundamental questions about the nature of reality and existence.

But here’s a fun fact: the father of metaphysics, Aristotle, didn’t even call it that! Instead, he referred to it as “first philosophy.” It was actually the editor of his works, Andronicus of Rhodes, who named it “the books that come after the (book on) physics,” placing them right after Aristotle’s work on physics.

What is Metaphysics? Definition as a branch of philosophy

Metaphysics is a major branch of philosophy concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being and the world, although the term is not easily defined. Traditionally, metaphysics attempts to answer two basic questions in the broadest possible terms: “What is there?” “What is it like?

Keep in mind that a person who studies metaphysics is called a metaphysician. The metaphysician attempts to clarify the fundamental notions by which people understand the world, including existence, the definition of object, property, space, time, causality, and possibility. A central branch of metaphysics is ontology, which investigates the basic categories of being and how they relate.

The word “metaphysics” comes from the Greek words that mean “beyond nature.” “Nature” in this sense refers to the nature of a thing, such as its cause and purpose. Furthermore, metaphysics examines questions of a thing beyond or above, particularly its essence or its qualities of being. Thus, metaphysics seeks to answer in a “suitably abstract and fully general manner.”

What is Metaphysics as a Discipline?

Metaphysics as a discipline was a central part of academic inquiry and scholarly education before the age of Aristotle, who considered it “the Queen of Sciences.” Its issues were considered no less important than the other main formal subjects of physical science, medicine, mathematics, poetics, and music. 

Since the beginning of modern philosophy, during the seventeenth century, problems that were not within the bounds of metaphysics have been added to its purview, while other problems considered metaphysical for centuries are now typically subjects of their separate regions in philosophy, such as philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind, philosophy of perception, philosophy of language, and philosophy of science. Sometimes, subjects of metaphysical scholarship are entirely physical and natural, thus making them part of science proper such as the theory of Relativity.

The Philosophical Foundation of Metaphysics

The term ‘metaphysics’ was invented by the 1st-century BCE head of Aristotle’s Peripatetic school, Andronicus of Rhodes. Andronicus was the person who edited and arranged Aristotle’s works, giving the name Metaphysics literally “the books beyond the physics,” perhaps the books to be read after reading Aristotle’s books on nature, which he called the Physics

The Greek word for nature is physis, so metaphysical is also “beyond the natural.” Proponents of naturalism deny the existence of anything metaphysical.

Aristotle never used the term metaphysics. For Plato, Aristotle’s master, the realm of abstract ideas was more “real” than that of physical. That is material or concrete objects because ideas can be more permanent (the Being of Parmenides), whereas material things constantly change (the Becoming of Heraclitus).

Where Plato made his realm of ideas the “real world,” Aristotle made the material world the source of ideas as mere abstractions from common properties found in many concrete objects. Even Neo-Platonists like Porphyry also inquire about the existential status of the Platonic ideas. They ask such questions as Does Being exist? What does it mean to say “Being Is“? ‘What is the difference between Being and being’?

In recent centuries then, metaphysics has become “beyond the material.” Metaphysics has become the study of immaterial things, like the mind, which is said to “supervene” on the material brain.

Metaphysics is a kind of idealism, in stark contrast to “eliminative” materialism. And metaphysics has failed in proportion to the phenomenal success of naturalism, the idea that the laws of nature alone can thoroughly explain the contents of the universe.

What Is Aristotle’s Physics?

Aristotle’s Physics describes the four “causes” or “explanations” of change and movement of objects existing in the cosmos. Aristotle’s metaphysics can then be seen as an explanation for existence itself. What exists? What is it to be? What processes can bring things into (or out of) reality? Is there a cause or explanation for the universe?

From the beginning, Aristotle’s books on “First Philosophy” considered God among the possible causes of the fundamental things in the universe. 

Tracing the regress of causes back in time as an infinite chain, Aristotle postulated a first cause, or what he called the “uncaused cause.” Where every motion needs a prior mover to explain it, he postulated an “unmoved first mover.” These postulates became a significant element of theology down to modern times.

Aristotle’s First Philosophy included theology, since first causes, new beginnings or genesis, might depend on the existence of God. And there remains a strong connection between modern metaphysicians and theologians.

Aristotle’s Metaphysics was divided into three parts which are now regarded as the proper branches of traditional Western metaphysics. They are as follows:

Three divisions of Aristotle’s Metaphysics

  1. Ontology: This is the study of being and existence. It includes the definition and classification of entities, physical or mental, their properties, and the nature of change. Ontology (the “science of being”) is a word, like metaphysics, used in many senses. It is sometimes considered identical to metaphysics, but on a more specific approach, Ontology is a part of metaphysics that specifies the most fundamental categories of existence, the elementary substances or structures out of which the world is made. It describes any phenomenon globally, e.g., time, space, matter, process, cause and effect, system, etc.
  2. Natural Theology: This is the study of a God and gods. It involves many topics, among others the nature of religion and the world, the existence of the divine, questions about Creation, and the numerous religious issues that concern humankind.
  3. Universal Science: This is the study of first principles, which Aristotle believed were the foundation of all other inquiries. An example of such a principle is the law of non-contradiction and the status it holds in non-para-consistent logic. Universal science or first philosophy treats “being qua being” – being in terms of being. It studies such topics as causality, substance, species, elements, and the notions of relations, interaction, and finitude.

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Metaphysics In The Medieval Era Of Philosophy

The medieval era of philosophy, spanning from the 5th to the 15th century, was a time of great intellectual and cultural change in Europe. During this period, the study of metaphysics flourished, with philosophers engaging in lively debates and discussions about the nature of reality, existence, and the divine.

At the heart of medieval metaphysics was the concept of “being,” which referred to the fundamental nature of things and the principles that governed their existence. Medieval philosophers were particularly interested in the relationship between God and creation, and sought to understand how the divine could be present in the material world.

St. Aquinas’ contribution to metaphysics

One of the most influential thinkers of this era was St. Thomas Aquinas, whose monumental work “Summa Theologica” remains a cornerstone of Catholic theology to this day. Aquinas sought to reconcile Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology, arguing that reason and faith were complementary rather than opposed.

Aquinas’ metaphysics emphasized the idea of causality, or the relationship between cause and effect. He argued that everything that existed was caused by something else, and that there must be a first cause that set everything else into motion. For Aquinas, this first cause was God, who created the universe and everything in it.

Duns Scotus’ contribution to metaphysics

Another important medieval philosopher was John Duns Scotus, who developed a distinct metaphysical system known as “Scotism.” Scotus emphasized the importance of individuality, arguing that each thing in the world had a unique essence and existence. He also challenged Aquinas’ ideas about causality, proposing that there was no necessary connection between cause and effect, and that God could have created the world in any way he chose.

Despite their differences, medieval philosophers shared a common goal of using reason and inquiry to understand the mysteries of the universe. They believed that knowledge of the world was essential to the pursuit of truth and virtue, and that metaphysics was a key component of this quest.

Today, the legacy of medieval metaphysics lives on in fields such as theology, philosophy, and science. The ideas and debates of this era continue to shape our understanding of the world and our place in it, demonstrating the enduring power and relevance of medieval thought.

For medieval philosophers, metaphysics was taken as a science that is extra-sensible in nature. Albertus Magnus called it ‘science beyond the physical.’ Thomas Aquinas narrowed it to the cognition of God. However, there was an apparent domination of religion in the medieval era of philosophy. And thus, there was a recognition of metaphysics in relation to God. Here, reason was buried, but was dug up in the modern era of philosophy.

Metaphysics In The Modern Era Of Philosophy

The modern era of philosophy, which began in the 17th century and continues to this day, saw a shift in focus from the study of God and the divine to the study of the world and human experience. Metaphysics in the modern era has taken many forms, with philosophers exploring a wide range of questions about the nature of reality, consciousness, and existence.

Immanuel Kant’s contribution to metaphysics

One of the most influential modern philosophers in the realm of metaphysics was Immanuel Kant, whose work in the late 18th century laid the foundation for much of contemporary metaphysical inquiry. Kant believed that there were limits to what we could know about the world beyond our own perceptions, and that the mind played an active role in shaping our experience of reality. He proposed a distinction between the “phenomenal” world of appearances and the “noumenal” world of things-in-themselves that we cannot know directly.

Martin Heidegger’s contribution to metaphysics

In the 20th century, another major figure in metaphysics was Martin Heidegger, who argued that our understanding of the world was shaped by our “being-in-the-world.” Heidegger believed that the study of metaphysics should focus on the fundamental structures of human existence, rather than abstract concepts or ideas. He argued that the pursuit of knowledge was an essential part of being human, and that metaphysics was a means of exploring the nature of our own being.

Metaphysics in the Contemporary Era of Philosophy

Contemporary philosophers continue to explore the nature of reality and existence in a variety of ways. Some, like David Lewis, have sought to develop a systematic ontology that accounts for all the things that exist in the world. Others, like Daniel Dennett, have focused on the nature of consciousness and the relationship between the mind and the brain.

One area of contemporary metaphysical inquiry that has gained increasing attention is the study of time. Philosophers like J.M.E. McTaggart and Paul Horwich have proposed that time may not be real, or that our experience of time may be an illusion. Other philosophers, like David Lewis and Ted Sider, have proposed alternative theories of time that challenge traditional notions of causality and temporal order.

Overall, metaphysics in the modern era has been marked by a diversity of perspectives and approaches, with philosophers grappling with some of the most fundamental questions about the nature of reality and existence. As the world continues to change and evolve, so too will the study of metaphysics, offering new insights and perspectives on the nature of the universe and our place within it.

Relevance of Metaphysics in Contemporary Society

Metaphysics, the branch of philosophy that explores the fundamental nature of reality, consciousness, and existence, may seem abstract and disconnected from everyday life. However, in contemporary society, metaphysical inquiry has a number of practical and relevant applications, from the study of physics to the development of technology and the search for meaning in life. Its relevance cuts across many other disciplines in contemporary society. And, this section discusses the relevance of metaphysics in relation to other fields in our contemporary society/Era. 

Let’s explore some of the ways in which metaphysics is relevant to contemporary society, with each relevance explained in detail and backed up with relevant real-life examples.

  • Physics and Cosmology
  • Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
  • Ethics and Politics
  • Meaning and Purpose

1. Physics and Cosmology

Metaphysics has a long history of contributing to our understanding of the physical world, from Aristotle’s investigation of the causes and principles of motion to the contemporary study of quantum mechanics and string theory. In particular, metaphysics is often concerned with the nature of time, space, and causality, which are central to our understanding of the physical world. For example, the study of special and general relativity in physics owes a great deal to the work of philosophers like Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and Immanuel Kant.

2. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Metaphysics is also relevant to the development of technology, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics. Philosophers of mind have long been interested in questions about the nature of consciousness and the relationship between the mind and the brain, which are directly relevant to the development of intelligent machines. For example, the development of neural networks in AI owes a great deal to the study of the mind-body problem in metaphysics.

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3. Ethics and Politics

Metaphysics is also relevant to our understanding of ethics and politics, particularly in the way that we conceive of the self and its relationship to society. Philosophers have long debated the nature of personal identity, agency, and responsibility, which are central to our understanding of moral and political decision-making. For example, the debate over the rights of non-human animals owes a great deal to the work of philosophers like Peter Singer, who have argued that non-human animals possess a consciousness and therefore deserve ethical consideration.

4. Meaning and Purpose

Finally, metaphysics is relevant to our search for meaning and purpose in life, particularly in the face of existential questions like death and the meaning of life. Philosophers have explored questions about the nature of the self, the afterlife, and the relationship between the individual and the universe, which can be directly relevant to our personal and spiritual lives. For example, the search for meaning and purpose in life has been a central concern for existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger.

Overall, metaphysics is relevant to contemporary society in a number of ways, from the study of physics and technology to our search for meaning and purpose in life. As we continue to grapple with the big questions about the nature of reality, consciousness, and existence, the insights of metaphysical inquiry will continue to be valuable and relevant in shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it.

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The relevance of metaphysics in the contemporary time, therefore, includes the following below;

Importance and Role of Metaphysics in Contemporary Society

  1. Understanding Being and Its Essence
  2. Making Sense of Reality
  3. Influencing Different Disciplines
  4. Understanding Our Place in the World
  5. Metaphysics constitutes the root of all knowledge (Rene Descartes)
  6. Metaphysics significantly studies non-physical entities
  7. Metaphysics removes the fear of the unknown and religious inclinations
  8. Metaphysics helps us to explore the supernatural world and how it operates
  9. Metaphysics begins when physics ends

1. Understanding Being and Its Essence

In the study of metaphysics, being or reality or existence and the essence are of utmost importance. This is especially relevant in our contemporary era, where the existence and essence of things are being explored in-depth. Metaphysics is not only significant for understanding beings, but it also provides a foundation for other sciences.

For instance, the study of Biology can explore the nature of the human eye, which is a being. However, metaphysics is crucial for grounding such studies and understanding how things come to be.

2. Making Sense of Reality

Metaphysics provides a framework for making sense of reality. The study of metaphysics allows one to explore fundamental questions about the world, such as the nature of existence, the mind-body problem, and the relationship between cause and effect. Such questions are essential in contemporary society, where we seek to understand and make sense of the world we live in.

3. Influencing Different Disciplines

Metaphysics also influences different fields, including science, politics, and ethics. It provides a basis for ethical reasoning and understanding, and also plays a significant role in understanding the nature of reality in scientific discoveries. The field of metaphysics, therefore, has immense importance in the contemporary era.

4. Understanding Our Place in the World

Metaphysics is also relevant in contemporary society because it helps us understand our place in the world. By exploring fundamental questions about the world, we can understand our role in society and the universe. This understanding can lead to a better appreciation of the world and our place in it.

Therefore, metaphysics is essential in contemporary society for exploring fundamental questions about reality, grounding scientific research, and influencing ethical reasoning. It provides a framework for understanding our place in the world and making sense of the world around us.

5. Metaphysics Constitutes the Root of Knowledge

Metaphysics serves as a foundation for knowledge as a whole. Rene Descartes (1596-1650) represented his project as a tree. A tree, where the root is “metaphysics,” the trunk is “physics,” and the branches represent the “specific sciences,” which include MedicineMorals, and Mathematics (MMM).

Metaphysics serves as the foundation for knowledge, as it studies concepts beyond physical appearance and grounds the entirety of knowledge. It is the root of the tree of knowledge, as expressed by philosopher Rene Descartes. The trunk of the tree, physics, grows directly from the root, providing support for the other specific sciences like medicine, mathematics, and morals. Metaphysics is relevant in contemporary society because it forms the basis for physics and the specific sciences, making it an essential field for gaining a deeper understanding of the world around us.

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6. Metaphysics significantly studies the non-physical entities

Metaphysics, a branch of philosophy that studies non-physical or abstract entities, has played a crucial role in contemporary society. It helps people understand and simplify the ambiguous nature of abstract realities, reducing fear of the unknown and opening up avenues to immaterial things.

For example, metaphysics provides a framework for understanding the nature of God in different religions. This is the paradox of the one and many in religion: that there is only one Supreme Being, but this being is approached differently and called by different names (such as God in Christianity, Allah in Islam, and Buddha in Buddhism). By recognizing the underlying unity of these different approaches, we can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of God and of the world around us.

7. Metaphysics removes the fear of the unknown and Religious Inclinations

Religion has been marked by unquestionable doctrines and practices for centuries, even in contemporary society. The words of religious leaders are often taken as infallible, making it difficult to question their authority. However, many leaders have put their own interests ahead of the true essence of their faith.

Understanding the metaphysical nature of God can provide insight into when religious doctrines and teachings are being misinterpreted. By studying metaphysics, we gain a better grasp of metaphysical concepts, become more aware of unknown religious doctrines, and reduce our fear of the unknown.

Therefore, religiously, metaphysics is relevant to contemporary society because it helps people understand and develop their religious and spiritual lives and society.

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8. Metaphysics helps us to study the supernatural world and how it operates

Metaphysics offers a unique perspective to individuals, encouraging them to expand their knowledge beyond mundane concerns, and explore areas of life beyond the physical realm. This approach allows people to discover new avenues of knowledge, achieve their goals, and become responsible members of society.

Those who study metaphysics often seek to find meaning beyond the material world, leading them to disregard the immoral activities that are a product of materialism. Visionaries like Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere, and Martin Luther King Jr. are examples of individuals who embraced metaphysical thinking, renouncing the mundane and promoting morality.

9. Metaphysics begins when Physics ends

Metaphysics unlocks new horizons of knowledge and consciousness beyond the mundane, propelling individuals to transcend the physical realm and pursue their lifelong goals. By broadening their understanding of the abstract realities that underlie our world, people become more responsible and mindful citizens of society.

Metaphysics offers a path towards transcendence from materialism and immorality, focusing on the exploration of non-physical concepts. Visionaries like Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere, and Martin Luther King Jr. exemplify the power of metaphysical thinking in inspiring moral uprightness and progress.

The study of metaphysics delves into the intangible and transcendent aspects of existence that lie beyond the physical world. To understand and relate to the metaphysical, such as the concept of God, one must engage with metaphysical concepts. Metaphysical thinking provides the necessary framework to bridge the physical and non-physical realms of human experience, helping individuals maintain coherence and deepen their spiritual connections.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the study of metaphysics has been shown to be essential for individuals and society as a whole. Metaphysics provides a framework for exploring concepts and entities that go beyond the physical realm and helps individuals better understand their place in the world. It also serves as a tool for exploring religious and philosophical beliefs, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering a deeper understanding of the self and others.

The importance of metaphysics in contemporary society cannot be overstated. By studying metaphysics, individuals can discover new areas of knowledge, develop their own beliefs, and become more responsible citizens. Whether one is interested in religion, philosophy, science, or simply expanding one’s understanding of the world, metaphysics provides a valuable tool for exploring the abstract and non-physical aspects of our existence.

As society continues to evolve and new challenges arise, the study of metaphysics will remain relevant and important. By embracing this branch of philosophy and seeking to understand the metaphysical realm, individuals can unlock new areas of knowledge, enrich their lives, and contribute to a better world.