Article #585

Author: MeghanRiley

Metaphysics (Greek words meta = after/beyond and physics = nature) Derived from the Greek meta ta physika (“after the things of nature”).

It is a department of philosophy involved with with the analysis of “first principles” and “being” (ontology). Literally, it means ‘after the Physics’. It mainly addresses the philosophical question:”What is the nature of reality?”

Metaphysics is traditionally subdivided in ontology, the understanding of being in itself, and cosmology, the theory describing the origin and structure of the universe.

WHAT IS METAPHYSICS?

The word metaphysics originally referred to the writings of Aristotle (384-322 BCE). It appeared after his writings on physics, in the arrangement made by Andronicus of Rhodes about three centuries after Aristotle’s death in 322 BCE. Aristotle himself did not use that title or even describe his field of study as ‘metaphysics’; the name was created by the first century BCE editor who put together the treatise we know as Aristotle’s Metaphysics from smaller selections of Aristotle’s works.

METAPHYSICAL PHILOSOPHY

In conventional philosophy, metaphysics refers to the department of philosophy that tries to understand the ultimate nature of reality, both visible and invisible.

METAPHYSICS IN THE NEW AGE

Metaphysics is nowadays used as a term within the New Age movement and related to mysticism, specifically the experiences of oneness with the ultimate. It is also a term used by occultism referring to aspects of ESP (extrasensory perception). This includes telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, retrocognition, mediumship and psychokinesis. (PK) Many of our psychic readers use the word “metaphysics” to represent some of the services they offer.

The terms metaphysics and metaphysical in a popular sense have been used in connection with Psychic Readings, Christian Science, Theosophy, Anthroposophy, and Spiritualism.

The word ‘meta’ means higher and beyond. Metaphysics is the study of how the universe we live in got started. It is the examination of the philosophy of physics that tries to answer the questions that science cannot.

How Metaphysics got started

If we analyze the philosophies of the ancient Chinese and the Egyptians we will see that the earliest thinkers of spirituality spoke much of how life relates to spirit. Aristotle and Plato and the writings of Homer also look at life this way, as well as the Incas, Aztecs, Celts and many more. Metaphysics has appeared in many different cultures throughout history since the beginning of time.

Metaphysics is not a Religion

Many people miscomprehend the word “metaphysics” and some mistakenly believe the word refers to a religion. Metaphysics is a doctrine that combines religion, science, and literature with underlining philosophies.

Dictionaries and encyclopedias list metaphysics as a philosophical doctrine that declares something to the effect of, ‘all things are part of each other and searches to find first cause principles.’ To metaphysicians, this refers to the origins of man’s dawn and his relationship with every living thing around him. Metaphysics teaches that individuals are all part of the universe and one person is said to be connected to every other living thing. An individual’s actions will affect his/her own life and the lives of others. By combining science and faith, one can acquire a deeper understanding of the world within and without.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/spirituality-articles/what-is-metaphysics-3972621.html

About the Author

Aseo Toure’
Website: http://www.jujushare.com or Metaphysics and Spiritual Science.
Aseo is an entrepreneur and teacher. He teaches metaphysics and self development, including meditation, yoga and nutrition. He currently runs the largest internet media site dedicated to the study of metaphysics and spiritual sciences. He has traveled throughout the world to gain the knowledge that he now passes on.