Metaphysics: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when discussing abstract concepts related to existence, reality, and the nature of being. It often involves questions that science cannot fully address.

• His interest in metaphysics led him to ponder the nature of reality and existence.
• Metaphysics explores questions that go beyond the physical world.

Ontology deals with the study of being and existence, particularly focusing on the categories of being and their relations. It's often used in philosophy and logic.

• Ontology examines the fundamental categories of existence and their interrelations.
• His dissertation in philosophy focused on the ontology of virtual worlds.

This term is specifically used when examining the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe. It has both scientific and philosophical implications.

• Cosmology seeks to understand how the universe began and what it is made of.
• She is studying cosmology to learn about the Big Bang and cosmic background radiation.

This broad term encompasses the study of general and fundamental questions about knowledge, reality, and existence. It includes various branches like ethics, logic, and metaphysics.

• Philosophy encourages critical thinking and exploration of life's big questions.
• She majored in philosophy to understand different perspectives on truth and morality.

Use this word to talk about the part of philosophy that deals with explaining the nature of reality and the universe, questions that go beyond physical science.

• Aristotle's writings in metaphysics explore the idea of being and existence.
• Metaphysics often deals with questions like 'What is the nature of reality?'

Best used when discussing an idea or set of ideas intended to explain facts or events, often supported by evidence and commonly used in both scientific and everyday contexts.

• Einstein's theory of relativity revolutionized physics.
• She proposed a new theory about the origin of the universe.

This is typically used in academic and scientific contexts to describe a system of ideas and objectives that guide research, analysis, or theory development.

• Her dissertation used a conceptual framework to address complex social issues.
• The conceptual framework helped clarify the research objectives.