Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter, between substance and attribute, and between possibility and actuality. Metaphysics studies questions related to what it is for something to exist and what types of existence there are. Metaphysics seeks to answer, in an abstract and fully general manner, the questions:[
- What is there?
- What is it like?
I feel like this study links to the ideas of Zen Buddhism and the works of Hiroshi Sugimoto in the way there is a sense of deeper thinking. Through my works I have set myself the aim to have underlying messages about what exists past our reality for example underneath the sea at high tide. Also connections to what we may not be able to see in our reality such as the changing light as it happens. This has clear links to the ideas around metaphysical which is intriguing to me.
Topics of metaphysical investigation include existence, objects and their properties, space and time, cause and effect and possibility.
There are two broad stances about what is “the world” studied by metaphysics. The strong, classical view assumes that the objects studied by metaphysics exist independently of any observer, so that the subject is the most fundamental of all sciences. The weak, modern view assumes that the objects studied by metaphysics exist inside the mind of an observer, so the subject becomes a form of introspection. Introspection is the examination of ones own conscious thoughts and feelings.
- Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that studies the ultimate nature of existence, reality, and experience.
- Metaphysics includes all religions but transcends them all.
- Metaphysics is the study of ultimate cause in the Universe.
- Metaphysics is the only science capable of inquiring beyond physical and human science.