metaphysics

Definition

The branch of philosophy that examines the nature of reality, existence, and the fundamental structure of the universe, including questions about being, causality, time, and space. It seeks to understand what is truly real beyond empirical observation.

Example Usage

He spent years studying metaphysics, wrestling with questions about free will and the nature of consciousness.

Origin

From Greek 'meta' (beyond) and 'physika' (physical things), the title given to Aristotle's works that came after his Physics.

Fun Fact

The term 'metaphysics' was not originally Aristotle's title for his work; it was coined by later editors who shelved these essays after his Physics texts.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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