The phrase "death of metaphysics" does not refer to a literal end or demise of the field of metaphysics itself. Instead, it is often used in a more metaphorical or philosophical sense to describe certain developments or shifts in philosophical thinking.
Historically, metaphysics has been concerned with questions about the nature of reality, existence, causation, and the relationship between mind and matter. However, at various points in the history of philosophy, some thinkers have suggested that certain traditional metaphysical questions may be unanswerable or that the methods of metaphysics are problematic.
One significant instance of the "death of metaphysics" idea comes from the logical positivist movement in the early to mid-20th century. Logical positivists argued that metaphysical statements were meaningless because they could not be empirically verified or falsified. According to this view, metaphysics was seen as a futile endeavor, and its questions were considered nonsensical or devoid of empirical content.
Despite these challenges, metaphysics has not disappeared; it continues to be a vibrant and evolving field of philosophy. Many contemporary philosophers engage with metaphysical questions in new ways, and there is ongoing debate about the nature and scope of metaphysics. Some argue for a more restrained and scientifically informed metaphysics, while others defend the traditional concerns of metaphysics.
In summary, when people refer to the "death of metaphysics," they are often alluding to specific critiques or challenges to traditional metaphysical inquiries rather than suggesting that metaphysics has completely ceased to exist.
