Metaphysics Anonymous Definitions

The bylaws allow each of us to use our own definitions, (and appeal to authority is not usually correct form in a formal argument).

According to Korzybski, when the definition one uses differs from the standard definition in some way, it seems appropriate to mention that fact, and declare the specific definition the speaker has in mind. In the following definitions I have attempted to present some accepted but thought provoking definitions as a starting point for further discussion:

Webster's definition of Metaphysics

The following are from Psychology, the Early Works, 1882-1898 by John Dewey (published in 1967):

Ego is a term used to express the fact that self has the power of recognizing itself as I, or a separate existence of personality.
Mind is also a term used, and suggests especially the fact that self is intelligent.
Soul is a term which calls to mind the distinction of the self from the body, and yet its connection with it.
Psychical is an adjective used to designate the facts of self, and suggest the contrast with physical phenomena, namely, facts of nature.
Spirit is a term used, especially in connection with the higher activities of self, and calls to mind the distinctions from matter and mechanical motion.

General Semantics recommends definig terms when possible:

"General semantics may be regarded as a systematic attempt to formulate the general method of science in such a way that it might be applied not only in a few restricted areas of human experience, but generally in daily life. It is concerned with science as a general method, as a basic orientation, as a generalized way of solving problems." — Wendell Johnson General Semantics Definitions

"Synergy means behavior of whole systems unpredicted by the behavior of their parts taken separately. " Synergy

"Philosophical Terms and Definitions" Philosophy for Everyone

"This paper introduces a radical theory of consciousness that is transdisciplinary and externally-referenced. It is also extremely parsimonious. One simple concept and a few of its implications explain, not only consciousness, but many other phenomena that are paranormal under the standard paradigm." Enformy

"Syntropy is the law of elsewhere-importing and always-orderly regrouping of the entropic exportings of all dying systems." Syntropy

"The support of life on our planet consists of two kinds__metaphysical and physical. Both cosmic and terrestrial energetic regeneration, organic and inorganic, are physical; while the know-what of pure science and the know-how of applied science are both metaphysical. Metaphysical and Physical

SIN: not following orders of the feudal lord, authority figure, or diety.

KARMA: What goes around, comes around.

GUILT: Self punishment, a form of neurosis.

Rationalism

Causation

Causality

A Semantic Analysis of the Term "Evil"
A pragmatic study of the word "evil" reveals two meaningful definitions.
One has helpful uses, and the other has such an un-helpful effect that it has resulted in the inquisition, the crusades, and the holocaust, among other things.
A) The un-helpful use definition:
Evil describes the way the other tribe does it.
One only has to reflect on stories of the Old Testament to notice this.
B) The helful use definition:
"In the case of our intellectual impressions practically all men have agreed that the good and the evil are in ourselves, and not in externals. Nobody call the statement that it is day, good and that it is night, bad and the greatest of evils, the statement that three is four." ..."Arian's Discourses, Book III", Epictetus
C) Some unuseful and unhelpful definitions involve superstition.
The definition (A) can explain how both George Bush and bin Laden describe the respective opponent as evil, "evildoers", and "infidels".
The definition (B) may help the individual who is into self improvement.

[B}---Epictetus, "Arian's Discourses, Book III", pg 117, translation by Oldfather, Harvard University Press

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