Glossary

1. Metaphysics-Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy which mainly deals with the fundamental nature of reality and being. This branch includes in-depth questions about the world and human existence. For example, why does the world exist at all? What is the world like and what qualities does it possess? Also, what is the point of human existence? Metaphysics is not a science which aims to uncover physical facts about the world but further questions connections in the world or discovers reasons for things which have no physical proof. The name is understandable in this sense because it comes from a Greek word meta-meaning over and beyond which is then conjoined with the word physics.This branch questions the connection between our bodies and minds and within our minds in other words how the subconscious and conscious operate. By means of this, philosophers seek to understand how we learn. Also, how concentration, visualization, and meditation can improve our focus. imagination and inspiration. Metaphysics also takes a step into exploring dreams and visions. It can define the relationship with our spirits being free to explore and seek knowledge.
2. Aesthetics- Aesthetics is another branch of philosophy which focuses on the nature of art and making a judgment concerning beauty. This branch defines what art and beauty are and what is valuable in life beyond basic survival needs. Art is not needed for survival. Art is not necessary for life yet somehow art adds immense amounts of value to our lives. Art makes things beautiful and people are drawn to beautiful things even though they are not vital to life. Why is this? What makes something more beautiful than something else? Why do some people find an artwork beautiful while others do not? These are all questions asked when considering aesthetics. Aesthetics also encompasses the relationship between art and the emotions they inspire. Art is either successful or not successful due to the sensory, emotional and intellectual responses it initiates. How and why art causes these feelings is another question considered in aesthetics.
3. Epistemology-Epistemology is the study of knowledge and justified belief. Epistemologist have questioned what is knowledge? What is a belief? How do they differ? Knowledge is commonly referred to as a “justified true belief”. However, this definition comes with considerations of its own. How do you know if something is true compared to believing that it is true? Also, how is something justified? Isn’t considering something justified a belief in itself? Epistemology examines whether justification is in the internal or external matter. If it is an internal matter then how can someone judge another’s justification? In this case, how can laws be validated? However, if justification is an external matter then how do people justify various affairs differently? With all these factors involved, we can then question if true knowledge is ever truly possible.