Objections_to_Metahysics

Objections to Metaphysics (F. H. Bradley) Summary To be a metaphysician, one must have the wisdom to withstand all oppositions that threatens the position one is developing as well as defending; and also the courage not to succumb to these oppositions. In the attempt to do metaphysical study, one faces series of doubts and even objections. Some of these objections are that metaphysics is an unachievable undertaking; or if achievable to some degree, is basically worthless; and that it says nothing new that the old philosophies did not already say. The task of this essay is to talk about the opinions formed against metaphysics without or little actual knowledge and to provide counterarguments in favor of study. The first objection presented is that metaphysics is an impossible task. Man cannot know reality as it is and his knowledge cannot go beyond mere appearance. These objections are contradictory in themselves. The author argues that to talk about reality means that one knows reality as he is talking about it and to speak of going beyond implies that there is a beyond as one is able to speak about its attainability. The second objection against metaphysics is that no definite knowledge is gained from it since it from the beginning of its history until the present generation; it talks about the same problem but has not provided (an) adequate answer(s). This might be true, that it is talking about the same problem, but it does not necessarily mean that it is dead or static. Each generation of metaphysicians provide an answer according to their times and this is what is important because this just shows that metaphysics is still developing. What is most important, I think, is that metaphysics directs our innate nature as wondering and reflecting beings. The author states that he understands that no satisfactory knowledge is possible in this field but what is important is that metaphysics helps man to think and reflect satisfactorily. If man ceases to do metaphysical inquiry then man ceases to think in the fullness of his capability. But as long as man continues to wonder about his existence and the world then metaphysics is still important as it gives direction to man’s attempt in understanding himself and the world of beings as a whole. Furthermore, metaphysics provide a path for man to seek the higher being that his soul is sensing. Man’s attempt in understanding the ultimate truth of the universe gives him the chance to also understand the higher being that motivates and defines him. The last objection that is offered against metaphysics is that the previous philosophies are adequate enough to answer whatever metaphysics seeks to answer since it is assumed to be stagnant because of its same old problems. No matter that the problems are the same; answers are not because each generation provides answers which are more suitable with their time and adequate for their intellect. As long as man always think, wonder, reflect and long, there will always be a need for a new metaphysics. Metaphysics is, of course, as important as any other aspect of philosophy and ought to be given a fair chance of investigating its importance to the human race. However, as warned by the author, indulging in philosophy does not make a man higher than any anyone. The author is stressing humility amidst wisdom and knowledge and the fact that one cannot well succeed in his goal in seeking the truth if not to be helped by people around him.