Metaphysics

I've been participating in a few metaphysics discussions recently. We are lucky enough to have an erudite facilitator who has extensive background in philosophy, theology and law. One of the best things about a metaphysics discussion is the spontaneity of the session. Since, by definition, metaphysics is not logically provable, imagination and intuition play a large role in the direction of questions and comments. The range of background from the people involved can span a wide area, leading to a need for integration of perspectives that can stimulate, irritate and enlighten.

What is metaphysics? It is the exploration of ultimate causes. Isn't that Physics? No. Physics is the study of effects. That is, if you believe in metaphysics at all. To get to first base in metaphysics, you have to experience a leap of faith at some point. In other words, you have to believe that the ultimate cause of the Universe is beyond the physical that we can sense and measure. Anything that we can sense and measure is the effect of the ultimate underlying cause, which is metaphysical. Even the most fundamental physical particle or force has an underlying cause that is beyond the logical or sensuous.

Those of a traditional religious orientation might say this is a theological discussion, in other words, metaphysics is synonymous with God. What is there to discuss? The Bible say it all, right? No need to speculate. Just read the text and listen to what your local priest, preacher or pastor tells you to believe. Done. That is possible, but to do that misses getting in touch with the ultimate energy and infinity that would have to be a fundamental property of an infinite and omnipotent power. Why put "God" in a box? If we name it, we define it, and we can only define things in our own image complete with our own limitations.

Some possible world views include:

• The physical is all there is - metaphysics is just imagination
• Both the physical and the metaphysical exist - they exist in separate realms and do not affect each other
• The physical is an illusion - the metaphysical is true reality - our goal is to escape the physical
• Both the physical and metaphysical are real - the physical is the relative world or the effect of the metaphysical - the metaphysical is the absolute world and causes the physical

I subscribe to the last world view. The connection between the two is consciousness. Consciousness exists along a spectrum ranging from fundamental physical particles to human intelligence. Human consciousness is the highest consciousness that we know exists. There may be higher levels of consciousness, but we do not have direct proof of that. We have two way communication with the metaphysical realm through our consciousness

That's a screenfull for a single blog. I'll try to elaborate other perceptions on this topic as the Spirit moves.