Online Class: Metaphysics 101

Metaphysics, while sounding very complex or obtuse, is really nothing more than thinking about what exists and what the ultimate reality of the universe is.

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11

Lessons
13

Exams &
Assignments
6

Hours
average time
0.6

CEUs
Video Audit
Available

Course Description

Delving into Metaphysics: Exploring the Essence of Existence and Reality

The term "metaphysics" often conjures a myriad of images and meanings. To some, it’s a subset of physics, while others view it through a mystical lens. Many see it as a profound branch of philosophy, and for some, it remains an intricate theory seemingly reserved for erudite scholars in secluded academia. While these perceptions might hold fragments of truth, they only graze the surface of metaphysics' profound scope and significance.

Originating from mankind's earliest ponderings about existence, metaphysics has been a cornerstone of philosophical thought. Long before the term itself was coined, our ancestors grappled with questions about the essence of existence and the fundamental nature of reality. Contrary to its potentially intimidating reputation, metaphysics is the very act of contemplating existence, reality, and the foundational elements of the universe.

Metaphysics navigates profound existential questions: Is there a definitive moral compass guiding right from wrong? Does a divine entity or creator exist? What constitutes the fabric of the universe? Are our paths preordained, or do we possess the freedom to carve our destinies? Such questions are integral to human introspection, shaping worldviews and guiding daily life, even if not explicitly acknowledged.

This course unravels the multifaceted domain of metaphysics, providing comprehensive insights into its key concepts, practical implications, historical evolution, and notable philosophical movements spanning from the wisdom of ancient Greece to contemporary interpretations. Additionally, the course will shed light on modern "New Age" metaphysics, offering a holistic understanding of its place in today's world.

Course Outline:

What Is Metaphysics?: Delve into the core of metaphysics, demystifying its essence and significance.
Coming to Terms: A Philosophical Glossary: Equip yourself with the terminology essential for navigating the philosophical landscape.
Classical Metaphysics: The Greeks: Journey back to the cradle of Western thought, exploring the seminal contributions of Greek philosophers.
Cosmology & Cosmogony: Understand the origins and structure of the universe, analyzing ancient and modern perspectives.
Determinism & Free Will: Delve into the timeless debate about human agency, exploring the dichotomy between fate and free will.
Mind & Matter: Examine the relationship between consciousness and the physical world, questioning the nature of reality.
Objects & Their Properties: Investigate the essence of entities and the characteristics that define them.
Religion & Spirituality: Explore the metaphysical dimensions of faith, spirituality, and the quest for the divine.
Space & Time: Contemplate the nature of space and time, probing their interconnectedness and mysteries.
New Age Metaphysics: Dive into contemporary interpretations and practices, assessing their relevance and impact.
Does God Exist?: Engage with one of the most profound questions in metaphysics, assessing diverse perspectives on divinity.

By the culmination of this course, participants will not only have a robust grasp of metaphysical concepts but also an enriched understanding of their personal philosophies. It seeks to ignite an insatiable curiosity about the universe, encouraging further exploration and introspection.

Whether you're a seasoned philosopher, an inquisitive mind seeking clarity, or someone aiming to understand the deeper intricacies of existence, this course promises a transformative journey. Dive deep into the realms of thought and emerge with a renewed perspective on life and reality. Join us in this exploration of metaphysics, and let's unravel the mysteries of existence together.

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Areas of Study

Course Lessons

Lesson 1: What Is Metaphysics?
This lesson provides a definition of metaphysics, the different types of metaphysics that exist, and a rationale for why the field is not as esoteric as many people think.
Lesson 2: Coming to Terms: A Philosophical Glossary
This lesson presents many of the more important words, phrases, and concepts that will be important to learn before proceeding to the following lessons of the course.
Lesson 3: Classical Metaphysics: The Greeks
No formal records of when metaphysics "began" exist, but the discipline is attributed to ancient Greece, when the first formal mentions of it were first recorded in writing.
Lesson 4: Cosmology & Cosmogony
This lesson examines many of the major cosmologies in turn, noting their core tenets and philosophical implications.
Lesson 5: Determinism & Free Will
This lesson examines some of the more prevalent metaphysical ideas and issues involving the concepts of free will and determinism.
Lesson 6: Mind & Matter
This lesson will present the more prevalent formulations of the mind and matter issue in metaphysics, beginning with the Greeks and culminating with a survey of modern dualism.
Lesson 7: Objects & Their Properties
This lesson will examine the age-old "problem of universals" and the various attempts to solve it over the millennia.
Lesson 8: Religion & Spirituality
This lesson will examine the major religious philosophies in the light of philosophical inquiry.
Lesson 9: Space & Time
This lesson presents several of the more influential and interesting historical views related to the philosophy of time and space.
Lesson 10: New Age Metaphysics
This lesson will examine the issue of New Age Metaphysics and it's effect on modern life.
Lesson 11: Does God Exist?
Like with many of the other issues presented in previous lessons, metaphysics has been used for years on both sides of this argument to either prove or disprove the existence of God.In this lesson, some of the more prominent arguments for and against God

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define metaphysics.
Summarize classical metaphysics.
Describe cosmology and cosmogony.
Summarize determinism and free will.
Describe the philosophical notions of mind and matter, objects and their properties, religion and spirituality, and space and time.
Describe philosophical notions of identity and change.
Describe the religious, philosophical, and science perspective of God.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Student Testimonials

"I thought it was very helpful with the knowledge I'm trying to gain, I feel this should be taught in schools." -- Shannon P.
"I thought that it was helpful in getting familiar with the subject matter and its different terminologies and historical significance." -- David Y.
"I wasn't sure about this course when I started . I do like the way you teach though so I knew it would be interesting. My line of thinking has been reimagined and stretched to new theories and different ways of thinking on certain subjects." -- Deborah L.
"I absolutely enjoyed taking this course! It was very well laid out as each lesson progressed." -- Jessica S.
"I thought it was a great course and jam packed with information!" -- Rebecca D.
"This has been a thought-provoking course!" -- Richard E.
"I found that the layout of each lesson was done perfectly. The content flowed in a such a way that made learning the information a simple task. I found this course to be very interesting, presenting a mountain full of knowledge. What I have learned from this course has only added to my perspective of the world, and will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for such a well organized experience." -- David L.
"This course was awesome and the instructor was wonderful. What I found most helpful was the order in which the lessons were arranged, to gradually build understanding. I loved it! Thanks so much." -- Ziana D.
"Overall, the entire course was helpful in establishing a general knowledge of Metaphysical ideas and perspectives." -- Larry S.