METAPHYSICS
“Do you believe in the existence of God even without having any material evidence”
Food for thought and something we all couldn’t agree upon mutually. A term for such an abstract
concept is referred to as metaphysics which the editor of Aristotle’s work first coined. Derived from
the Greek phrase ‘Meta ta physika’ (after things of nature) and, with a science-friendly suffix, it has
nothing to do with any branch of science. Rather, metaphysics is like an idea, doctrine, or a posited
reality that is difficult to perceive via human senses.
Like the question asked on the top, more of it like “What is the nature of life?” or “Is there any such
thing as numbers or they are just useful fiction?” can’t be explained via any evidence, unlike science.
Taking metaphysics on one end and any other subject, say science; a significant difference can be
easily observed. Scientists base their explanations on experiments, observations, and calculations
whereas metaphysicians base theirs on ‘armchair reflection’. Physics is a branch that discusses things
that change whereas, on the other hand, metaphysicians are more concerned with questioning
things that don’t change. Long story short, the sciences concern the specific ‘how’ of reality, and
metaphysics concerns the general ‘what’ and ‘why’.
Metaphysics lurks in unexpected places. When Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of the
United Kingdom, she made a perplexing claim: “There is no such thing as society” (in an interview in
1987). In her view, there are only individual citizens, who are related to each other, but they do not
form a society. Sounds debatable, right?
But all ears for this one; an extension of such a mindset would claim that there are particular atoms,
related to each other, but they never constitute a person. Does a soul ever die?
All such sort of explanations and questions indicate active participation of metaphysics in a
conversation.
Undoubtedly, the idea of metaphysics has received a lot of criticism from a lot of scholars and
philosophers. It has been attacked at various times throughout history, as meaningless and overly
obscure, especially by David Hume, Emanuel Cant, and A.J. Ayer. Being a highly abstract topic that is
not based on experiences and can never be sensed, a consequent danger is that any attempt to go
beyond experiences and reality may end up meaningless since most of the time it sounds senseless.
That is probably the reason why the works of great metaphysicians like Jean-Paul Sartre, and
Heidegger are difficult to comprehend, they sound illogical. Moreover, the relevance of any topic
talked about could be different for every individual, any claim would be based on how the observer
views a thing, and it may not necessarily ensure a consensus. Thus, leaving a void in the metaphysical
system, which couldn’t be filled with any logic.
Exploring such an abstract subject can be daunting at times and one might see it as a pointless
subject for study, but the supporters of metaphysics staunchly support that it is only when one goes
against the limitations of “what is taught by society” and questions life consistently, that one can
slowly progress towards a better world. Without an explanation of the world around the people, it
would be difficult for individuals to get an understanding of reality. Secondly, metaphysics helps one
tap into a certain frequency with the universe; “The information that comes through is specific to
you,” as said by Sherri Waggoner, Akashic Records, attempts to explain the practicality of
metaphysical conversations for someone’s welfare.
If someone is experiencing anxiety, one might notice that are not breathing as deeply as they could
and that just doing breathwork could calm their nervous system. It might come through that writing
a journal or performing any hobby may help. It is a different and unique experience for every person
in this universe.
Now after hearing both sides of the story, one can’t conclude that easily, given the fact how
subjective a reflection of any topic can be for different individuals. Let us give it a wrap, take a small
break, and jump again into the world of metaphysics, and who might know, the next big debatable
claim might be given by you.