Metaphysics is a field of study beyond physical sciences, including philosophy, parapsychology, and astrology. It originated from Aristotle’s book “Metaphysics,” which combined theological questions with early forms of rational science. The term has expanded to include paranormal beliefs, alternative medicine, and spirituality. In the Western world, philosophy greatly influenced by Aristotle distinguishes physical and metaphysical issues, while Eastern philosophy addresses them as part of a greater whole.
Metaphysics refers to subjects beyond the realm of the physical sciences. The word originates from a collection of writings on philosophy by the Greek scientist Aristotle. Since then the term “metaphysics” has generally been applied to a broad field of study ranging from general philosophy to parapsychology and astrology. This topic has been controversial, even derided, in scientific and philosophical circles over the centuries. However, those aspects of existence that have no scientific explanation continue to fascinate casual thinkers and philosophers alike.
Aristotle’s book Metaphysics is considered the cornerstone of Western philosophy, a study of existence that combines theological questions with early forms of rational science. The translation of the title from the Greek, “after physics” or “beyond physics,” has defined the term ever since, although it may have simply been a reference to his earlier work, Physics. After the scientific advances of the Enlightenment, most of the physical sciences were defined by their ability to be proved or disproved by experimentation. Those qualities of existence which could not be verified in this way but which could still be demonstrated or at least theorized were considered metaphysical.
This field of philosophy includes theological questions such as the creation of the universe and the existence of the soul. It also considers deeper philosophical questions about time, thought and existence itself. Many of these questions cannot be answered definitively; like much philosophy, the argument involves listing the possibilities that exist and the various ways to consider them. The study of how things relate at abstract levels is also called ontology. This word is less loaded with “metaphysics,” which some people still find controversial.
This is because, in modern times, “metaphysics” has expanded to mean anything outside the realm of the physical sciences. This includes a wide range of paranormal beliefs and topics, including alternative medicine, astrology and other forms of divination, and various types of spirituality. The term has also been adopted for other non-traditional subjects, such as the metaphysical poets of seventeenth-century Europe. Traditional scientists and philosophers often ignore anything that cannot be quantified and tested. Renowned philosopher David Hume, for example, said that works of metaphysics should be “set on fire.”
This division between the physical and the metaphysical is most evident in the Western world, where philosophy was greatly influenced by Aristotle and other ancient Greeks. In Eastern philosophy, such as the traditions of India and China, these issues are not so clearly distinguished from each other. The teachings of Hinduism, Taoism and Zen address metaphysical and scientific topics as part of a greater whole. For this very reason much Eastern philosophy was disregarded in Europe and America until the 20th century, when its approaches to metaphysical questions gained greater respect.
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