Metaphysics
[metə'fɪzɪks] or [,mɛtə'fɪzɪks]
Definition
(n.) The science of real as distinguished from phenomenal being; ontology; also, the science of being, with reference to its abstract and universal conditions, as distinguished from the science of determined or concrete being; the science of the conceptions and relations which are necessarily implied as true of every kind of being; phylosophy in general; first principles, or the science of first principles.
(n.) Hence: The scientific knowledge of mental phenomena; mental philosophy; psychology.
Checked by Alyson
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Psychology, pneumatology, mental philosophy, philosophy of the mind, mental science.
Checker: Rhonda
Definition
n.sing. the science which investigates the first principles of nature and thought: ontology or the science of being.—adj. Metaphys′ical pertaining to metaphysics; abstract.—adv. Metaphys′ically.—n. Metaphysic′ian one versed in metaphysics.
Inputed by Augustine
Examples
- His chief treatise, entitled the Republic, is at once a treatise on morals, on social organization, and on the metaphysics and science of nature. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- His office was filled with stacks of books all relating to metaphysics and kindred matters. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- And indeed nothing but the most determined scepticism, along with a great degree of indolence, can justify this aversion to metaphysics. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- He turned it over in his mind, with thought deep and slow, as some German pondering metaphysics. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- This was a case of metaphysics, at least as difficult for Joe to deal with as for me. Charles Dickens. Great Expectations.
- Gautama became versed in all the metaphysics of his age. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- My mother is like old George the Third, said the Vicar, she objects to metaphysics. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- I pored over the poetry of old times; I studied the metaphysics of Plato and Berkeley. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- How long I might have remained lost in the mist of my own metaphysics, if I had been left to extricate myself, it is impossible for me to say. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- They appeared in the form of a copious review of a work on Chinese metaphysics, Sir,' said Pott. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- Having read a number of articles on the tariff and ploughed through the metaphysics of the currency question, what do they do? Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- But Joe took the case altogether out of the region of metaphysics, and by that means vanquished it. Charles Dickens. Great Expectations.
- The present subject of metaphysics will supply us abundantly. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
Editor: Rodney