The term "metaphysics" emphasizes the transcendent. How have individuals understood the transcendent? This seems to be the key question in the metaphysical quest. As will be seen, especially with regard to the Logical Positivists and those associated with the philosophic school of linguistic analysis, the interest in the transcendent has generally faded and is consequently regarded as beside the point or setting up an impossible quest, or as a contemporary reinterpretation of the transcendent.
But eventually one has to ask what difference one's metaphysical perspective makes? Ayn Rand proposes an interesting imaginatory situation in which one lands on an unknown planet. In a much more eloquent fashion than this writer is capable of presenting, Rand says that in such an alien, strange, and unfamiliar environment, an individual would be concerned with three primary questions: Where am I? How do I know where I am? And how should I live in this newfound context? She points out that these three questions correspond to the central questions of Philosophy, each of which is related to the other:
• The Question of Metaphysics: Where am I?
• The Question of Epistemology: How do I know where I am?
• The Question of Ethics: How should I live or survive in this new context?
According to Rand, and I think she is right at this point, the central questions of human existence begin with the metaphysical quest.
Regarding the significance of Metaphysics, it is important in four ways:
1. The Personal Dimension: Metaphysical contemplation assists us in our search for our own meaning. It seems that in each human being regardless of life status there is an incessant desire for answers to questions regarding our place in the universe. Metaphysical speculation moves us not only toward attempting to determine the nature of the cosmos in which we live, but also to a quest to find our own place in that cosmos. Can I find meaning in this life? What is the summum bonum of life? Is possible that I can genuinely find purpose in life in my present existence, or must I wait upon the next life, if such a life is believed to be possible, for personal fulfillment? While each individual can become overly obsessed with himself or herself and the quest for purpose in life can potentially be reduced to a narcissistic journey, the fact none the less remains that there is something in the individual which compels us to this personal quest for purpose. In addition, the fact that humans have searched for purpose in life by going down such false avenues as substance abuse, sexual exploitation, and the idolatry of career or education evidences the need for metaphysical speculation and reflection.
2. The Spiritual Dimension: Metaphysical contemplation assists us in answering life's deep and profound questions. As philosophers have indicated through the ages, humanity is consistently concerned with the profound questions of life. This is true in that, even though the answers proposed to those questions vary, there is nonetheless still a metaphysical longing for answers to profound and complicated questions such as does history have a purpose? Is history headed anywhere? How does one come to "know" anything? How can we "know that we know" the answer to life's profound questions? Is there any such thing as Truth? What is the role of science in the quest for knowledge? Each of these questions and the many others associated with the spiritual nature of human existence begs for the assistance given by metaphysical reflection.
3. The Relational Dimension: Metaphysical contemplation assists us in our view of human personhood. There is something about metaphysical pondering which shapes our view of what it means to be "human." Is the human animal to be understood as a body and spirit or soul? Is the human animal to be understood as nothing more than a physical entity? What are the consequences of viewing others through the lenses of either of these approaches? Do the implications of metaphysical speculation for the nature of human personhood also have implications for how I regard not just myself but also others? If so, what are those implications? In addition, what about the non-human animal? Not only do I co exist or co-reside with fellow humans, but also non-humans. How am I to regard these creatures in light of Metaphysical conclusion? The Relational Dimension of individual existence is inherent within one's Metaphysical speculation and conclusions.
4. The Social Dimension: Metaphysical contemplation assists us in our humanitarian concerns. Closely related to the above concerns is also concern with the ultimate direction and outcome of this life. Do my Metaphysical conclusions, or lack of conclusions, shape the extent of my optimism about the outcome of this Reality, as I understand it? Do my Metaphysical speculations lead to an optimism or pessimism regarding the future? Do my Metaphysical convictions lead me to a pessimism that forces me to an 'anti life" perspective to use Nietzsche's term and consequently make me of such a heavenly mind that I am of no earthly use? What are the implications of my Metaphysical conclusions for how I view the environment, hope for human progress, or the political order under which I live?
In short, once properly understood, Metaphysical conclusions lie behind each of the more highly specialized concerns which one addresses in philosophy. Consequently, Metaphysical ponderings are a necessary prerequisite to serious philosophical speculation on areas such as epistemology, philosophy of religion, ethics, political speculation, aesthetics, as well as any other topic of concern under the heading of philosophy. Metaphysics truly does make a difference.
