Metaphysical Knowledge: Understanding Reality, Knowledge, and Ethics

Metaphysical Topics include knowledge concerning truth, knowledge, the soul, God, good, evil, freedom, reality, death, the meaning of life, and so on. Metaphysics differs from the natural sciences by establishing not only the subjects but also the methods. Science seeks to be precise and express itself in the clearest possible language, often using mathematics. The strength of scientific evidence is imposed on other competent minds. Philosophy, however, may not agree on themes, language, method, or results. Science is what is being sought.

When knowledge becomes autonomous, it becomes independent of philosophy. Philosophy and metaphysics are often considered borderlands, the most troubled fields of knowledge.

Progress in philosophical knowledge can lead to universally accepted solutions.

Philosophy has an important impact on people's lives, making it crucial to assess its truth. The works of philosophers can be regarded as stories of their way of seeing the world (autobiographical) or as theories with a universal truth claim, requiring examination of their reasoning.

Regions of Metaphysical Knowledge are divided into three main areas: Ontology (the theory of reality), Gnoseology (the theory of knowledge or the knowing subject), and Ethics (the theory of human action).

Ontology

To define a science, one must note the subject it studies and the point of view from which it is studied. Philosophers refer to these as the material object and the formal object of science. There are real and unreal things.

Problems of Ontology

Physicists create theories about reality to explain or predict phenomena. However, people also discuss entities that are difficult to categorize as real or merely ideas. These invented realities are often useful for understanding and managing the world. Social problems arise from this field. What kind of existence do concepts like "nation," "will," "rights," or "fashion" have? Are all these entities real, unreal, or perfect?

Key Concepts

Category

Fundamental concepts we use to think, sort, and classify things.

Being

Has two meanings: existence, or the relationship between a subject and a predicate.

Ente

Refers to what exists; things, beings. It is something that exists in some way.

Substance / Accident

Substance is that which has its own existence; an accident is a quality that requires a substance to exist. (Example: Table / White)

Matter / Form

Matter is the material from which something is made. Form is its structure or arrangement. (Example: Wood / Plank)

Essence / Existence

Essence is the core set of attributes essential for something to be what it is. Existence is the way in which that essence is present in reality.

Cause / Effect

Cause is that which produces something, and effect is the consequence.