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Metaphysic vs Physical - What's the difference?

metaphysic | physical |

As adjectives the difference between metaphysic and physical

is that metaphysic is (philosophy|archaic) metaphysical while physical is having to do with the body.

As nouns the difference between metaphysic and physical

is that metaphysic is (philosophy|uncountable|archaic) the field of study of metaphysics while physical is physical examination.

metaphysic

English

Alternative forms

* metaphysick (obsolete)

Adjective

(-)
  • (philosophy, archaic) Metaphysical.
  • * , "Ode on Science," lines 32-33:
  • Bring sweet philosophy along,
    In metaphysic dreams.

    Noun

  • (philosophy, uncountable, archaic) The field of study of metaphysics.
  • * 1876 , Editor, "Prefatory Words," Mind , vol. 1, no. 1, p. 5:
  • With reference to general Philosophy or Metaphysic proper, psychology may be viewed as a kind of common ground whereon thinkers of widely different schools may meet.
  • (philosophy, countable) The metaphysical system of a particular philosopher or of a particular school of thought.
  • * 1775 , , "An Abridged State of the Weather at London in the Year 1774," Philosophical Transactions (1683-1775) , vol. 65, p. 182:
  • The uncertain conclusions of an ill-conducted analogy, and a false metaphysic , were mixed with a few simple precepts derived from observation, which probably made the whole of the science of prognostication in its earliest and purest state.
  • * 1954 , , "Review of Metaphysical Journal'' by Gabriel Marcel," ''Philosophy , vol. 29, no. 109, p. 170:
  • It should be pointed out to the prospective reader that he will not find here the systematic presentation of a metaphysic .
  • * 2003 , Christine Helmer, "Mysticism and Metaphysics," The Journal of Religion , vol. 83, no. 4, p. 521:
  • A Neoplatonic metaphysic is the flip side of mysticism.
  • (philosophy, countable) A fundamental principle or key concept.
  • * 1927 , Charles M. Perry, "A Principle for Realism," The Journal of Philosophy , vol. 24, no. 20, p. 537:
  • What we need as a metaphysic and what the logical realists are at least glimpsing, is the principle of contradiction.

    References

    * Oxford English Dictionary , 2nd ed., 1989. * Random House Webster's Unabridged Electronic Dictionary , 1987-1996.

    physical

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Having to do with the body.
  • Having to do with the material world.
  • * John Stuart Mill
  • Labour, in the physical world, is employed in putting objects in motion.
  • * Macaulay
  • A society sunk in ignorance, and ruled by mere physical force.
  • * {{quote-magazine, title=No hiding place
  • , date=2013-05-25, volume=407, issue=8837, page=74, magazine=(The Economist) citation , passage=In America alone, people spent $170 billion on “direct marketing”—junk mail of both the physical and electronic varieties—last year. Yet of those who received unsolicited adverts through the post, only 3% bought anything as a result.}}
  • Involving bodily force.
  • Having to do with physics.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2012-01, author=Michael Riordan, title=Tackling Infinity
  • , volume=100, issue=1, page=86, magazine=(American Scientist) citation , passage=Some of the most beautiful and thus appealing physical theories, including quantum electrodynamics and quantum gravity, have been dogged for decades by infinities that erupt when theorists try to prod their calculations into new domains. Getting rid of these nagging infinities has probably occupied far more effort than was spent in originating the theories.}}
  • (label)
  • (obsolete) Relating to physic, or medicine; medicinal; curative; also, cathartic; purgative.
  • * Sir T. North
  • Physical herbs.
  • * Shakespeare
  • Is Brutus sick? and is it physical / To walk unbraced, and suck up the humours / Of the dank morning?

    Antonyms

    * mental, psychological; having to do with the mind viewed as distinct from body.

    Derived terms

    * antiphysical * physical body * physical chemistry * physical education * physical examination * physical relations * physical therapy * physical world

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Physical examination.
  • How long has it been since your last physical ?

    Synonyms

    * checkup, check-up

    Statistics

    *