Course Description
Since the beginning of philosophy--indeed, perhaps since the beginning of man's quest to learn about himself and the universe that surrounds him--there has been the discipline of metaphysics. While it may not have always been called such, it is nevertheless an important aspect of being human that everyone has dabbled with to one degree or another. Metaphysics, while sounding very complex or obtuse, is really nothing more than thinking about what exists and what the ultimate reality of the universe is (Geirsson & Losonsky, 1998).
Questions within the field of metaphysics involve many of the "big" issues in life: Is there an absolute right and wrong? Does God (or a creator) exist? What is the universe made of? Does free will exist or are we traveling on a predetermined path? All of these concepts and more, as well as their implications for human thought and life, are part and parcel of the philosophical discipline of metaphysics. While most people may not think in terms of "doing metaphysical thought"--at least not in the strict philosophical sense--the fact remains that all thinking human beings have some sort of metaphysics that guide their lives everyday--a "worldview" in essence.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Learning Outcomes
- Define metaphysics.
- Summarize classical metaphysics.
- Describe cosmology and cosmogony.
- Summarize determinism and free will.
- Describe the philosophical notions of mind and matter, objects and their properties, religion and spirituality, and space and time.
- Describe philosophical notions of identity and change.
- Describe the religious, philosophical, and science perspective of God.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Assessment Guide
Assessment | Points |
---|---|
An Introduction | 5 points |
Lesson 1 Assignment | 25 points |
Quiz for Lesson 1: What Is Metaphysics? | 10 points |
Lesson 2 Assignment | 25 points |
Quiz for Lesson 2: Coming to Terms: A Philosophical Glossary | 10 points |
Lesson 3 Assignment | 25 points |
Quiz for Lesson 3: Classical Metaphysics: The Greeks | 10 points |
Lesson 4 Assignment | 25 points |
Quiz for Lesson 4: Cosmology & Cosmogony | 8 points |
Lesson 5 Assignment | 25 points |
Quiz for Lesson 5: Determinism & Free Will | 10 points |
Lesson 6 Assignment | 25 points |
Quiz for Lesson 6: Mind & Matter | 9 points |
Lesson 7 Assignment | 25 points |
Quiz for Lesson 7: Objects & Their Properties | 9 points |
Lesson 8 Assignment | 25 points |
Quiz for Lesson 8: Religion & Spirituality | 8 points |
Lesson 9 Assignment | 25 points |
Quiz for Lesson 9: Space & Time | 9 points |
Lesson 10 Assignment | 25 points |
Quiz for Lesson 10: The New Age Movement | 8 points |
Lesson 11 Assignment | 25 points |
Quiz for Lesson 11: Does God Exist? | 9 points |
The Final Exam | 42 points |