Scientific metaphysics

Popper, scientific method and mainstream approach to metaphysics

One of Karl Popper's greatest contributions to the philosophy of science was the idea that the beginning of a new scientific theory is not new experimental data, fresh ideas, or shifts in the mainstream of the field, but problems. A problem can be: the inconsistency of the current theory with experience; two theories that do not agree with each other, even though both seem to be correct; aspects or elements of a theory that are not adequately explained; or anything else that causes difficulties and gives the sense that the current answer is not the final one, and therefore, a better one can be provided.

I believe that the problem with most publications in the field of metaphysics in our times is that they are not directed toward solving the fundamental problem, i.e., explaining what lies within metareality, but toward other issues, such as the necessity of publishing, the need for argument and discussion, curiosity about others' views, the desire to show off, or to give vent to one's thoughts or imagination. Therefore, one can read a hundred randomly selected publications in the field of metaphysics and not advance even a millimeter in understanding metareality. When much is said but nothing comes of it, when the signal-to-noise ratio approaches zero, it is an unmistakable sign that one is dealing with empty chatter.

I call the approach to metaphysics that sets as its sole ambition, as its fundamental purpose, to shed light on metareality and reveal what it conceals, using scientific knowledge to do so, scientific metaphysics. Unfortunately, it is still practiced too rarely. It suffices to imagine tens of thousands of hours devoted each day to producing and consuming publications in the field of metaphysics that do not advance their field by even a millimeter, to feel the waste of time, energy, and talent we are dealing with. As for me, I am interested only in scientific metaphysics; I perceive the rest as distraction. I prefer to keep silent rather than speak but convey nothing meaningful.

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