Metaphysics

Metaphysics, a word first applied to a certain group of the philosophical dissertations of Aristotle, containing what Aristotle (q.v.) called 'first philosophy,' and Plato 'dialectics.' The phrase meta ta physika means probably 'the books after the physics,' but has been interpreted 'the matters above or beyond physics.' The branch of philosophy so called is the highest department, and deals with speculative questions as to the nature and limit of human consciousness and the possibility of establishing truths beyond empirical consciousness. The term has been sometimes used, as by Mansel, to comprise Psychology along with metaphysics proper or Ontology. See PHILOSOPHY.