The Nature of Metaphysics

Metaphysics encompasses the study of existence, examining not only things that exist but also those that don't, including abstract concepts and possibilities. The interplay between real beings and conceptual constructs allows for exploration of unusual ideas, such as the existence of a non-existent sister or imaginative entities like flying giraffes. Philosophers like Francisco Suárez emphasize that the classification of beings is pivotal, as he introduces the concept of ‘beings of reason’ to explain mental constructs that do not correspond to reality. This distinction highlights the metaphysician's role in clarifying relationships between actual beings and hypothetical or impossible scenarios.