Metaphysics
Metaphysics is one of the core branches of philosophy that investigates the fundamental nature of reality. It deals with questions that go beyond the physical sciences, addressing issues such as existence, being, substance, cause, identity, time, and space.
The term “metaphysics” originates from the Greek word meta ta physika, meaning “after the physics,” which was how Aristotle’s works following his treatise on physics were categorized. However, the term has come to denote the study of what lies beyond the physical realm.
Metaphysical questions include: What is the nature of reality? What does it mean to exist? What are objects and their properties? Do abstract concepts like numbers or morality exist independently of the mind?
There are several subfields within metaphysics, including ontology (the study of being), cosmology (the study of the universe), and philosophical theology (questions about God and divinity). Metaphysics often intersects with epistemology, ethics, and science.
Despite criticisms for being abstract or speculative, metaphysics provides the foundational framework for other philosophical inquiries. It challenges our assumptions and helps us explore the deepest structures of thought and reality.