How Metaphysics Challenges Hidden Assumptions to Understand Reality
Each of us holds certain metaphysical beliefs, often without being aware of them. By examining these underlying ideas, scholars are finding new ways to tackle some of the most challenging questions in modern physics.
Metaphysics often gets a bad reputation. Many dismiss it as an unproductive pursuit, engaging in debates that seem to have little practical value—such as the classic argument over how many angels might dance on the head of a pin. This criticism reflects a common perception that metaphysical inquiries are removed from the tangible concerns of everyday life.
Historically, classical metaphysics—its name stemming from the Greek word for “beyond” —has been known to delve into unusual and thought-provoking questions. It explores the true nature of familiar things: for example, what constitutes a table or the existence of colours beyond mere sensory perceptions. Rather than relying on empirical observation and experiments, metaphysics uses pure reasoning and logical methods. One such method is reductio ad absurdum, which tests the validity of an idea by showing that its denial leads to an absurdity.
This approach contrasts sharply with the empirical methods that drive scientific discovery. However, by challenging our often unquestioned assumptions, metaphysical investigations serve a critical role. They open up new avenues for understanding reality, contributing valuable insights into the fundamental nature of existence that complement the achievements of experimental science.
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