Metaphysics
/ˌmɛtəˈfɪzɪks/noun
The branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of reality, including concepts such as being, existence, and the universe.
Did you know?The term 'Metaphysics' originated from Aristotle, who used it to describe writings that came 'after' his works on physics, hinting at deeper, hidden truths about reality.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μετά (meta)
“after, beyond”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φυσικά (physika)
“physical, pertaining to nature”
1st Century BCE
Greek
μεταφυσικά (metaphysika)
“works treating the nature of being and existence, following physical works”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
metaphysica
“the study of that which is beyond the physical, or the first philosophy”
16th Century
English
metaphysics
“the philosophical study of existence and reality, as adopted from Latin and Greek origins.”