Where does metaphysics meet physics?

Question

is the scientific method appllied to metaphysics? are there any studies done on metaphysical theories particularly ones that gather quantative data and/or using physical equipment

Answer 1

In order to answer the question, we need to know how you are using the word "metaphysics."  If you mean it in the philosophical sense,  metaphysics is the discipline which explores what things exist, what things are real (in one of its subdisciplines called ontology).   One place this sort of metaphysics meets physics is in trying to determine if the forces and objects that physics studies are "real," or if they are just convenient constructs we use to describe a universe that we can't actually comprehend with our limited senses.

If you mean "metaphysics" in the popular, non-philosophical sense that has to do with paranormal or related subjects, then metaphysics meets physics in scientific parapsychology, where science research methodology is used to examine unexplained phenomena and (sometimes) to see if there is a physical explanation to be found for them.

Information about scientific explorations of this sort of "metaphyiscs" can be found at the following links:

Answer 2

When I read your question and hadn't read the details, I thought the answer was in a sics bar.

As for the question the details fleshed out, there's probably all kinds of equipment used to scientifically track items. Think of all of those sci-fi movies with the guy (why's it always a guy tech?) carrying the receiver and big bulky laptop-tyoe thing.

Then again the most basic physical equipment is used everyday when the brain is used. Unfortuantely, there's not a lot of stock put in that piece of equipment's ability to record and analyze stimuli.

Answer 3

Metaphysics is the study of phenomenon that cannot be described in our normal physics.  It includes events that we cannot observe, but can only therorize.  Eventually, all *valid* metaphysical theories will become physics, but many metaphysical theories will never be proven.  For example, when Einstein first theorized about the relativity of time and space, it was considered metaphysics because it could not be proven.  After considerable mathematical and physical calculations and observations, Relativity became an accepted part of Physics.

There are some testable theories in metaphysics, but some are just beyond our capabilities at the current time.  For example, String Theory can be considered metaphysics, but it is not testable.  Alchemy was considered metaphysics at one time, but through trial and error and repeated testing, many of it's tenants have been recognized as unviable, and so, Alchemy is no longer considered a valid science.  There are many similar examples that you could find studying the history of science.

Answer 4

I agree with peter D, metaphysics is more non-physical but it still can be applied to physics.

For example, using the philosophy that illnes is first created by the mind or rather the negative beliefs of the mind, correcting those negative beliefs, via affirmations which are I suppose sound or words, can & will significantly change the physical illness in due time.

Answer 5

Metaphysics is related to epistemology, which includes the philosophy of science.  It is not valid to apply the scientific method to metaphysics because the former makes assumptions the latter does not.  For instance, why would Ockham's Razor be valid?  Is there a necessary connection between cause and effect?  What social forces are involved in the establishment of scientific theories?  Is inductive logic justifiable?

Having said that, i do think there's a place for looking at social factors in the practice of Philosophy, which on a personal note is why i have no career and have hardly enough money to eat.

It just can't be done because it's putting the cart before the horse.

Answer 6

I like to think that I'm a butterfly dreaming that I'm a man: that's metaphysics.....

Them all of a sudden splat, I'm squished on someones windshield:  that's physics!  

bummer dude!

Answer 7

It's one book over on the shelf.

When Aristotle was writing his studies and creating his library, he had several tomes with different titles.  He couldn't decide on a good title for one of his books, so he named it thusly:

"meta" means "next to", and on the shelf it was "next to the book on Physics." i.e. "metaphysics"

This story may be apochryphal, but when I was a Philosophy student in college, this was considered to be the "correct" answer to that trivia question.

Answer 8

They meet in the human mind.

Answer 9

Rent or buy the movie or docu-drama "Down the Rabbit Hole"  its very fascinating and might answer your questions.

basically our thoughts ,our intentions do effect our reality,our health out life situations ..we are all connected and part of the whole!  I loved the movie!

Answer 10

Isnt' metaphysics non-physical?