Metaphysics

     Metaphysics deals with ultimate reality. Metaphysics has a direct effect on ethics, as what exists influences what is done. The concise concept of metaphysics (if such a thing is possible) is that it is concerned with what exists, what does not exist, what can exist, what cannot exist, and what it means to exist or not to exist.
     In a deeper vein, metaphysics looks to answer the question of God's existence, the existence of the self, the existence of the mind, the existence of the soul, and other items. A distinction can be made between concrete (the computer I am using to type this post) and abstract objects (the color blue, the number π, the square root of three). Once this distinction is made, some immediately ask if abstract objects actually exist (Plato thought they did).
     A person must have a grasp on comprises reality in order to navigate reality. False beliefs can have disastrous consequences. For example, if I see a bus travelling down the street and I falsely believe that bus to be a mirage, then I will be considerably shorter than my current height.
     So, on to the big question: what makes up reality? Is it one type of stuff (monism)? Two types of stuff (dualism)? or something else? Some people today hold that only one type of stuff exists, namely that which is physical. This would affect how one understands the mind. Either one does not have a mind or the mind is merely a physical composition. Moreover, God, if he exists, would be a physical composition. Other people hold the position that two types of stuff exists, the material and the immaterial. Thus, minds, souls, and God would be considered immaterial while my body, my computer table, and my glass of sweet tea would be material. Traditional Christian understanding holds dualism (as defined here) to be true.

What you believe exists (while not affecting what actually exists) will affect how you value things. If material items are all that exist, then you may not place very much value in a religion that proports to worship and serve an immaterial deity. If you  do believe in the immaterial, you might place much value in God or souls.

All of the big questions in life are important, and one should take time to consciously reflect on how to answer them if for no other reason than to see how you are already living your answer. Until next time.