A Word on 'Metaphysics'

Metaphysics is the philosophical study of first cause principals. That's a fancy way of saying How the Universe got started. The word meta means higher and beyond. Metaphysics is a philosophy of physics that tries to solve the questions that material science cannot. Thus, it is the study of life beyond physics.

Let's start with the word metaphysics. In the scheme of life here on earth, the word is fairly new. Coined in the late 300's B.C. by Aristotle. This advanced thinker and philosopher had written and titled a book about 'Physics'. This work dealt with the knowledge of physical science for the time. It is the study and theories of physical law that revolves around the "observed world". Almost immediately after the completion of 'Physics', Aristotle began his next work, 'Metaphysics'. This one was a continuation of the first, but where physics looks at the observed world, metaphysics looks at the underlying meaning and structure of world.

Metaphysics asks: What are space and time? What is a thing and how does it differ from an idea? Are humans free to decide their fate? Is there a first cause, or God, that has made everything and put it in motion? All the basic questions that humanity has struggled with since the dawn of time. Although there are many modern day theologians who would strongly argue the point, metaphysics is the underlying foundation for all modern religions. From Wicca to Catholicism. (Source: Pagan's Path)