Nonphysical: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The prefix 'non-' comes from Latin, meaning 'not', which changes the meaning of 'physical' to indicate absence.
• The word 'physical' itself is derived from the Greek word 'physikos', meaning 'of nature'.

Philosophy

• Philosophers discuss 'nonphysical' concepts to explore ideas like consciousness and identity, which aren't tied to the body.
• In discussions about the mind-body problem, 'nonphysical' often refers to mental processes distinct from physical processes.

Psychology

• Emotional experiences, like happiness or anxiety, are considered nonphysical, as they’re felt but not seen.
• Cognitive functions, such as thinking and remembering, are understood as nonphysical because they occur in the brain's processes.

Science

• In physics, forces such as gravity or magnetism are considered nonphysical because they are not tangible objects.
• Quantum mechanics introduces the idea of nonphysical entities like wave functions that describe probabilities instead of concrete realities.

Art and Culture

• In art, many movements explore nonphysical themes, such as abstract expressionism which focuses on emotions rather than objects.
• Many spiritual beliefs emphasize nonphysical aspects of existence, like the soul or spirit, transcending material life.