Introduction to Metaphysics. meta- 1.a prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek, with the meanings...

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Transcript of Introduction to Metaphysics. meta- 1.a prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek, with the meanings...

Introduction to Metaphysics

meta-1. a prefix appearing in loanwords

from Greek, with the meanings “after,” “along with,” “beyond,” etc.

meta-1. a prefix appearing in loanwords

from Greek, with the meanings “after,” “along with,” “beyond,” etc.

2. a prefix added to the name of a subject and designating another subject that analyzes the original one but at a more abstract, higher level.

The Semantic Definition: Metaphysics is the area of philosophy that analyzes the topics of physics at a more abstract, higher level.

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

For every shoe in this classroom, there is an equal and opposite shoe.

The Semantic Definition: Metaphysics is the area of philosophy that analyzes the topics of physics at a more abstract, higher level.

The Etymological Definition: Metaphysics is the area of philosophy that studies the topics from Aristotle’s Metaphysics.

The Etymological Definition: Metaphysics is the area of philosophy that studies the topics from Aristotle’s Metaphysics.

Metaphysics is a traditional branch of philosophy concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being and the world… Traditionally, metaphysics attempts to answer two basic questions in the broadest possible terms: 1. What is there? 2. What is it like?

The Wikipedia Definition: Metaphysics is the area of philosophy that studies what there is and what it’s like in the broadest possible terms.