Meaning

(philosophy, uncountable) The branch of philosophy which studies fundamental principles intended to describe or explain all that is, and which are not themselves explained by anything more fundamental; the study of first principles; the study of being insofar as it is being (Latin: ens in quantum ens)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (philosophy, uncountable) The branch of philosophy which studies fundamental principles intended to describe or explain all that is, and which are not themselves explained by anything more fundamental; the study of first principles; the study of being insofar as it is being (Latin: ens in quantum ens).
2. (philosophy, countable) The view or theory of a particular philosopher or school of thinkers concerning the first principles which describe or explain all that is.
3. (logic, uncountable, by extension from the philosophical sense) The metalogic of physics; the logical framework of physics.
4. (uncountable, by extension from the philosophical sense) Any fundamental principles or rules.
5. (uncountable) The study of a supersensual realm or of phenomena which transcend the physical world.
6. (uncountable, derogatory) Displeasingly abstruse, complex material on any subject.
7. plural of metaphysic

Example Sentences

Philosophers sometimes say that metaphysics is the study of the ultimate nature of the universe.

The late philosopher Morris R. Cohen of CCNY was asked by a student in the metaphysics course, "Professor Cohen how do I know that I exist?" The keen old prof replied, "And who is asking?"

The metaphysics of Thomas Aquinas holds that all real beings have both essence and existence.

In Aristotelian metaphysics physical objects have both form and matter.

In his Pensées, Pascal mentioned some first principles recognized within his metaphysics: space, time, motion, and number.

Even other universes should be a result of different physics. Without rules, these universes wouldn't exist, because they will have an undefined, thus impossible, nature. We will never understand or guess all possible forms of physics. That's why we have to understand the generic metaphysics.

The metaphysics of global power has changed. Markets are now more valuable than territory.

I have a collection of books on metaphysics, covering astral projection, reincarnation, and communication with spirits.

Word Forms

• metaphysics

Related Words

When Should You Use Metaphysics?

Use metaphysics when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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