metaphysics

/ˌˈmɛdəˌˈfɪzɪks/

/ˈmɛtəfɪzɪks/

Metaphysics is the philosophical study of being and knowing. If you have ever contemplated your own existence in the universe, you were dabbling in metaphysics.

Metaphysics comes from the Greek meta ta physika ("the works after the Physics"), which refers those of Aristotle's writings that followed the natural sciences. This field of inquiry was later understood as "the science of things transcending what is physical and natural," like the existence of god or the origin of human knowledge. Metaphysics must therefore rely on philosophical logic, rather than scientific experiments, in exploring these questions.

Definitions of metaphysics

1. noun

   the philosophical study of being and knowing
   types:

   ontology

   the metaphysical study of the nature of being and existence

   cosmology

   the metaphysical study of the origin and nature of the universe

   type of:

   philosophy

   the rational investigation of questions about existence and knowledge and ethics