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Single Idea 6203

[filed under theme 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 5. Metaphysics beyond Science ]

Full Idea

Metaphysics only contains the pure a priori principles of physics in their universal import.

Gist of Idea

Metaphysics is just a priori universal principles of physics

Source

Immanuel Kant (Critique of Practical Reason [1788], I.II.II.VI)

Book Ref

Kant,Immanuel: 'Critique of Practical Reason (Third edition)', ed/tr. Beck,Lewis White [Library of Liberal Arts 1993], p.145


A Reaction

'Universal' seems to imply 'necessary'. If you thought that no a priori universal principles were possible, you would be left with physics. I quite like the definition, except that I think there would still be metaphysics even if there were no physics.


The 20 ideas with the same theme [metaphysics as transcending natural science]:

Physics studies transitory matter; metaphysics what is abstracted and necessary [Bacon]
Physics is of material and efficient causes, metaphysics of formal and final causes [Bacon]
Metaphysics is geometrical, resting on non-contradiction and sufficient reason [Leibniz]
We can grasp the wisdom of God a priori [Leibniz]
Kant showed that theoretical reason cannot give answers to speculative metaphysics [Kant, by Korsgaard]
A priori metaphysics is fond of basic unchanging entities like God, the soul, Forms, atoms… [Kant, by Fogelin]
A dove cutting through the air, might think it could fly better in airless space (which Plato attempted) [Kant]
Metaphysics goes beyond the empirical, so doesn't need examples [Kant]
Metaphysics is just a priori universal principles of physics [Kant]
Metaphysics studies the inexplicable ends of explanation [Schopenhauer]
Metaphysics is the science of both experience, and its general laws and types [Peirce]
Claims about 'the Absolute' are not even verifiable in principle [Ayer on Bradley]
Some say metaphysics is a highly generalised empirical study of objects [Tarski]
All metaphysical discussion should be guided by a quest for truthmakers [Armstrong]
Philosophy is a magnificent failure in its attempt to overstep the limits of our knowledge [McGinn]
Realist metaphysics concerns what is real; naive metaphysics concerns natures of things [Fine,K]
Only metaphysics can decide whether identity survives through change [Lowe]
Metaphysics tells us what there could be, rather than what there is [Lowe]
Esoteric metaphysics aims to be top science, investigating ultimate reality [Hofweber]
Metaphysics can criticise interpretations of science theories, and give good feedback [Ingthorsson]