noun
definition
The field of study of metaphysics.
definition
The metaphysical system of a particular philosopher or of a particular school of thought.
definition
A fundamental principle or key concept.
noun
definition
The branch of philosophy which studies fundamental principles intended to describe or explain all that is, and which are not themselves explained by anything more fundamental; the study of first principles; the study of being insofar as it is being (ens in quantum ens).
example
Philosophers sometimes say that metaphysics is the study of the ultimate nature of the universe.
definition
The view or theory of a particular philosopher or school of thinkers concerning the first principles which describe or explain all that is.
example
In Aristotelian metaphysics physical objects have both form and matter.
definition
(by extension from the philosophical sense) The metalogic of physics; The logical framework of physics.
example
Even other universes should be a result of different physics. Without rules, these universes wouldn't exist, because they will have an undefined, thus impossible, nature. We will never understand or guess all possible forms of physics. That's why we have to understand the generic metaphysics.
definition
(by extension from the philosophical sense) Any fundamental principles or rules.
definition
The study of a supersensual realm or of phenomena which transcend the physical world.
example
I have a collection of books on metaphysics, covering astral projection, reincarnation, and communication with spirits.
definition
Displeasingly abstruse, complex material on any subject.
example
This political polemic strikes me as a protracted piece of overwrought, fog-shrouded metaphysics!