METAPHYSICS

-literally means after physics

METAPHYSICS
Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy
concerned with the nature
of existence, being and the world. Arguably,
metaphysics is the foundation of
philosophy: Aristotle calls it "first philosophy" (or
sometimes just "wisdom"), and says it is the subject
that deals with "first causes and the principles of
things".
Greek word Metaphysika"

(literally "after physics") merely indicated that

part of Aristotle's oeuvre which came, in its
sequence, after those chapters which dealt
with physics. Later, it was misinterpreted by
Medieval commentators on the classical texts as
that which is above or beyond the physical, and
so over time metaphysics has effectively
become the study of that which transcends
physics.
METAPHYSICS
Early Greek philosopher claimed that it is the study of the
nature of reality.
This branch of philosophy analyzes whether everything is
material, and if life, energy, and mind are its different
manifestations.
It is study of being and reality
A person who studies metaphysics is called a metaphysician.
Metaphysician reflect on the subject of appearances (how
something looks by how it appears)and reality (that which
actually is)
METAPHYSICS
Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy
responsible for the study of existence. It is the
foundation of a worldview. It answers the
question "What is?" It encompasses everything
that exists, as well as the nature of existence
itself. It says whether the world is real, or merely
an illusion. It is a fundamental view of the world
around us.
THREE MAIN SECTIONS
Ontology (the study of being and existence, including
the definition and classification of entities, physical or
mental, the nature of their properties, and the nature
of change)
Natural Theology (the study of God, including the nature
of religion and the world, existence of the divine,
questions about the creation, and the various other
religious or spiritual issues)
Universal Science (the study of first principles of logic
and reasoning, such as the law of noncontradiction)
Why is Metaphysics important?

Metaphysics is the foundation of philosophy

Without an explanation or an interpretation of the world around us,
we would be helpless to deal with reality. We could not feed
ourselves, or act to preserve our lives.
The degree to which our metaphysical worldview is correct is the
degree to which we are able to comprehend the world, and act
accordingly. Without this firm foundation, all knowledge becomes
suspect. Any flaw in our view of reality will make it more difficult to
live.
Some examples of specific question that metaphysicians
reflect upon are the following:

What is the meaning of life?

What is the purpose of life?
Does God exist?
Is there a God?
What is mans place in the universe?

This study also includes questions of space ,time ,existence , and

possibility.