metafysiké

Metafysiké is the Greek term for metaphysics, a branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter, substance and attribute, potentiality and actuality. It seeks to understand the first principles of being and the ultimate nature of things. The term itself is derived from the Greek words meta, meaning "after" or "beyond," and physika, meaning "physics."

Historically, metaphysics was considered by some to be a subdivision of physics, dealing with concepts that were not empirically observable or measurable in the same way as the physical world. Aristotle's works on the subject were placed after his writings on physics in ancient collections, leading to the term's adoption. However, modern interpretations often see metaphysics as a distinct and foundational area of philosophical inquiry, exploring questions that transcend the scope of empirical science.

Key questions within metaphysics include what exists, what are its properties, and how do these things relate to each other. It delves into concepts such as existence, causality, time, space, identity, and modality. Different metaphysical traditions offer various perspectives on these issues, leading to diverse and often contrasting theories about the ultimate structure and nature of the universe.