Fundamental Philosophical Concepts: Existence, Divinity, and Reality

Philosophy as a Fundamental Problem: Metaphysics

The first philosophy, also known as fundamental philosophy or metaphysics, presents the highest and most recurrent philosophical problem. Its name is of uncertain and problematic origin. Aristotle referred to this science as the "first philosophy," the discipline that seeks the first principles of reality.

As for metaphysics itself, it is a science constantly sought; the metaphysical search is largely a quest without end. It has become synonymous with philosophy, as philosophy seeks to delve deep into the root of things. Metaphysics goes beyond what the senses perceive. Its two objects of study are: being fundamental, the first cause of all that is uncaused, and being in general.

David Hume was among the first to report that metaphysical works often contain nothing more than a few empty sentences. It was Immanuel Kant who subjected metaphysics to a radical critique. For Kant, this radical metaphysical desire is entirely legitimate; it is a natural disposition, an innate inclination, and therefore an unavoidable aspiration.

Key Philosophical Concepts and Terms

• Soul

  Traditionally called a simple substance of immaterial nature, responsible for human capacity to understand, feel, and will.

• Agnosticism

  A philosophical attitude that declares all knowledge of the divine and that which transcends experience to be inaccessible to human understanding.

• God

  Referred to as the creator or the first principle of the universe. Fundamental properties attributed to God include omniscience, omnipotence, and supreme benevolence. The study of God is provided by natural theology.

• Finiteness

  The particular quality of finite beings; beings that are limited.

• Infinity

  The particular quality of that which has no limit, end, or purpose.

• World

  In philosophy, "world" means all things and changes in facts.

• Almighty

  God's own attribute, namely the ability to do everything without limitation.

• Being

  As a noun, this term can refer to the essence of a thing. As a verb, it has two meanings: a) as a copula (e.g., "is") and b) as an existential verb (e.g., "there is").

• Pantheism

  Pantheism holds that God is everything, the entire universe. God and the universe are identified, and each of its parts also embodies full divinity.

• Theodicy

  The term literally means "justice of God."

• Theism

  Belief in a personal and providential God, creator and sustainer of the world.

• Deism

  A doctrine that recognizes God as the author of nature, but without allowing for revelation or external worship.

• Atheism

  Denies the existence of God.