Hard Problem of Metaphysics

The problem of its own possibility. Metaphysics seeks to describe the fundamental nature of reality (being, time, causality, objects). The hard problem is that any such description must be made from within reality, using a human mind, which is a product of that reality. We are like cells in a body trying to describe human anatomy from the inside, using only cellular language. Our concepts (like "cause" or "substance") may be projections of our cognitive architecture, not features of the world-in-itself. Therefore, metaphysics may tell us more about how human minds must think than about how reality must be.

*Example: A metaphysician argues brilliantly that time is an illusion, a block universe. But they still must make their dinner reservation for 7 PM, live with the anxiety of deadlines, and experience the undeniable flow of their own consciousness. The hard problem: The metaphysical theory, even if logically coherent, is existentially inert. It cannot be lived. This suggests metaphysics may be an elaborate, self-consistent language game, decoupled from the reality it purports to explain. We are building castles of abstraction on a foundation (our own perception) we cannot inspect without using the very tools we're inspecting.* Hard Problem of Metaphysics.

by Enkigal January 24, 2026

Metaphysical Mechanics Theory

The attempt to describe the operational principles of the most fundamental aspects of reality: being, consciousness, identity, time, and causality. It's mechanics applied to first philosophy. How does causality work? What is the "mechanism" by which possibility becomes actuality? It's highly abstract, trying to sketch the wiring diagram of existence itself, often using logic and reason rather than empirical data.

*Example: "The philosopher's Metaphysical Mechanics Theory argued that time isn't a river but a 'block universe.' The mechanism of change is an illusion created by consciousness moving along a fixed world-line in the 4D block. His 'mechanics' were a logical model of how eternalism could function to produce our experience of succession."*

by AbzuInExile February 1, 2026

Metaphysical Theory

The broad, foundational branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of reality, existence, and the fundamental categories of being. It asks: What is real? What is the relationship between mind and matter? It provides the overarching questions and possible answers (idealism, materialism, dualism) within which more specific mechanical theories can be developed.

Example: "Materialism is a Metaphysical Theory. It asserts that everything that exists is ultimately physical matter and energy in motion. It's the big-picture stance. A 'Metaphysical Mechanics Theory' would then try to detail how,

by AbzuInExile February 1, 2026

Metaphysical Hypothesis

Any proposition concerning the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and being that lies beyond or underlies the physical world accessible to science. It deals with questions of what is ultimately real: Is consciousness a product of the brain or a fundamental property of the universe? Do abstract concepts like numbers or justice have a real existence? Metaphysical hypotheses provide the foundational assumptions upon which other systems (science, religion) are built, but are themselves notoriously difficult to test empirically.

Example: "My friend's claim that 'suffering has a purpose that shapes the soul' is a Metaphysical Hypothesis. It's not a scientific statement about pain receptors; it's a claim about the ultimate structure of existence and identity. Arguing with him was futile because we were operating from different metaphysical rulebooks—mine said 'reality is material and random,' his said 'reality is purposeful and spiritual.' We weren't debating facts; we were debating the hidden axioms of the universe."

by Abzunammu February 2, 2026

Metaphysics (Physics of Physics)

In this specific, modern context, it's the study of the fundamental assumptions, interpretations, and unsolved conceptual puzzles within physics itself. It's not the ancient philosophical field of "metaphysics" (the study of being), but a pragmatic examination of physics' own foundations. It asks: What does quantum mechanics actually tell us about reality? What is the nature of space and time? How do we interpret the mathematical formalism? It’s the troubleshooting manual for when the math works perfectly but the story it tells seems insane.

Example: The endless debates over the Copenhagen Interpretation vs. the Many-Worlds Interpretation of quantum mechanics are Metaphysics (Physics of Physics). The equations predict outcomes identically; the fight is over what the math means for the nature of reality—a question physics itself, as a tool, is unequipped to answer.

by Dumu The Void February 4, 2026

Metaphysical Sciences

The rigorous academic study of things that, by definition, exist beyond the physical world, which makes data collection a bit of a challenge. It's the field where your laboratory is your mind, your primary instrument is intuition, and your control group is "people who haven't had the experience." Metaphysical sciences attempt to apply the scientific method—hypothesis, experimentation, conclusion—to phenomena like telepathy, past lives, and the feeling that someone is watching you (even when they are, in fact, watching you). Peer review is difficult when the evidence is vibes-based.

Example: "She claimed her degree in metaphysical sciences allowed her to quantitatively measure auras. When asked for her methodology, she said she 'just kinda feels it, you know?' Her data was considered statistically insignificant but spiritually very meaningful."

by Abzugal February 14, 2026

Metaphysical Technologies

The tools and gadgets designed to interact with or measure the non-physical realm, ranging from ancient dowsing rods to modern "quantum resonance" devices that look like they were stolen from a low-budget sci-fi set. This includes pendulums for yes/no questions (accuracy rate: slightly better than a coin flip), EMF meters for ghost hunting (which also detect microwaves), and apps that claim to photograph your aura (they just blur the photo and add colors). The most reliable metaphysical technology remains a strong gut feeling, which requires no batteries and has a 100% chance of being ignored.

Metaphysical Technologies Example: "He spent $300 on a 'quantular' device that promised to communicate with interdimensional beings. After a week, all he'd received was static and a message that seemed to be asking for a Netflix password. The metaphysical technology was either broken or the interdimensional beings were just really bored."

by Abzugal February 14, 2026