Metaphysics

Metaphysics , noun

[Greek {not transcribed} after those things which relate to external nature, after physics, from {not transcribed} beyond, after + {not transcribed} relating to external nature, natural, physical, from {not transcribed} nature: compare French métaphysique. See Physics. The term was first used by the followers of Aristotle as a name for that part of his writings which came after, or followed, the part which treated of physics.]

The science of real as distinguished from phenomenal being; ontology; also, the science of being, with reference to its abstract and universal conditions, as distinguished from the science of determined or concrete being; the science of the conceptions and relations which are necessarily implied as true of every kind of being; philosophy in general; first principles, or the science of first principles.

Commonly, in the schools, called metaphysics, as being part of the philosophy of Aristotle, which hath that for title; but it is in another sense: for there it signifieth as much as “books written or placed after his natural philosophy.” But the schools take them for “books of supernatural philosophy;” for the word metaphysic will bear both these senses. — Hobbes

Now the science conversant about all such inferences of unknown being from its known manifestations, is called ontology, or metaphysics proper. — Sir W. Hamilton

Metaphysics are [is] the science which determines what can and what can not be known of being, and the laws of being, a priori. — Coleridge

Metaphysics is distinguished as general and special. General metaphysics is the science of all being as being. Special metaphysics is the science of one kind of being; as, the metaphysics of chemistry, of morals, or of politics. According to Kant, a systematic exposition of those notions and truths, the knowledge of which is altogether independent of experience, would constitute the science of metaphysics.

The scientific knowledge of mental phenomena; mental philosophy; psychology.

Metaphysics, in whatever latitude the term be taken, is a science or complement of sciences exclusively occupied with mind. — Sir W. Hamilton

Whether, after all, A larger metaphysics might not help Our physics. — Mrs. Browning