Metaphysics got it's name from the librarians who cataloged some of Aristotle's (384-322 B C E) writings. Aristotle has been known as the father of logic, "The Philosopher". The writings these librarians cataloged followed Aristotle's writings on physics, consisting of 14 books that were known only by letters of Greek alphabet. Since this followed Aristotle's writings on physics, they were cataloged as 'Metaphysics' meaning, after or beyond physics. Aristotle himself labeled them 'primary or natural philosophy'. The direction of Aristotle's great mind, led him to topics of, the reality of existence and the 'being' of things, matter, form, substance and essence. In the late 1800's scientific method and experimental activity defined the study of science. The term science, meaning knowledge became popularly used and distinguished science from philosophy. Everyone alive, every religious order, inherent to all cultures and civilizations have or had some opinion about the nature of reality. Even if you have no religious beliefs at all, you will still have some opinion as to the nature of reality and it's existence! Ultimately that means we ALL have a metaphysical or philosophical perspective of some sort. While most people are not conscious of their metaphysical thought, the fact remains that all human beings conduct their lives according to their own perspective beliefs of reality. Whether we call it philosophy or metaphysics, it most certainly has intrinsic value to our every day life and our human experience.
