Full Idea
I do not claim that metaphysics on its own can, in general, tell us what there is. Rather - to a first approximation - I hold that metaphysics by itself only tells us what there could be.
Gist of Idea
Metaphysics tells us what there could be, rather than what there is
Source
E.J. Lowe (The Possibility of Metaphysics [1998], 1.3)
Book Reference
Lowe,E.J.: 'The Possibility of Metaphysics' [OUP 2001], p.9
A Reaction
If there is going to be a modern defence of metaphysics, in an age dominated by empirical science, this sounds pretty good to me. Presumably it also says what there couldn't be. The challenge is to offer authority for any claims made.
Related Idea
Idea 19228 Sciences concern existence, but philosophy also concerns potential existence [Peirce]