Metaphysics Architecture Reference Sheet
Philosophy Fundamentals • Core Series
Philosophy of Reality
What is Metaphysics?
The study of ultimate reality, existence, and the fundamental structure of the cosmos.
Etymology ta meta ta physika "the things beyond physics"
Formal Definition: Metaphysics investigates what is fundamentally real. While physical sciences measure empirical phenomena and natural laws, metaphysics explores the foundational conditions of existence, substance, identity, time, and possibility.
Primary Inquiry: "Why is there something rather than nothing?" Scope: Abstract & Concrete Reality Focus: First Principles
Six Core Branches of Metaphysical Inquiry
1. Ontology
Theory of Being
"What fundamental kinds of entities exist?"
Studies categories of existence, substances, properties, and universals vs. particulars (e.g., does "redness" exist on its own?).
Debate: Realism vs. Nominalism vs. Platonism.
2. Philosophical Cosmology
Cosmic Structure
"What is the ultimate nature of space, time, and the universe?"
Examines whether time flows (Presentism) or is a 4D block (Eternalism), spacetime substance, and cosmic origins.
Debate: Infinite Regress vs. Uncaused First Cause.
3. Identity & Persistence
Change Over Time
"How does a thing remain identical to itself despite change?"
Explores personal identity over life, mereology (parts and wholes), and essential vs. accidental properties.
Puzzle: The Ship of Theseus & Bodily vs. Psychological Continuity.
4. Modality & Possible Worlds
Possibility & Necessity
"What must be true versus what could have been otherwise?"
Distinguishes necessary truths from contingent facts, counterfactual situations ("what if?"), and possible worlds semantics.
Position: David Lewis's Modal Realism vs. Modal Actualism.
5. Mind-Body Metaphysics
Mental vs. Physical
"Is conscious awareness purely physical matter or something more?"
Focuses on the subjective character of experience (qualia), mental causation, intentionality, and brain-mind relations.
Views: Substance Dualism, Physicalism, Idealism, Panpsychism.
6. Causation & Determinism
Cause & Effect
"What connects cause and effect, and are our choices predetermined?"
Probes whether causes possess genuine metaphysical power, the nature of physical laws, and whether free will can coexist with determinism.
Dilemma: Hard Determinism vs. Compatibilism vs. Libertarianism.
Philosophical Navigation: The Fundamental Triad Positioning Metaphysics within Philosophy
Metaphysics
What is real?
Analyzes existence, substances, reality, and the deep architecture of the universe.
Epistemology
How do we know?
Examines justification, evidence, belief, perception, and limits of human knowledge.
Axiology
What has value?
Addresses moral obligation, goodness, ethics, aesthetic beauty, and purpose.
