descriptive metaphysics
C2Academic / Philosophical
Definition
Meaning
A branch of metaphysics that aims to describe the most general features of reality and our conceptual structure as they actually are, rather than prescribing how they should be.
Coined by philosopher P.F. Strawson, it contrasts with 'revisionary metaphysics.' It seeks to lay bare the most general concepts and categories that structure our ordinary thought about the world, analyzing the existing framework of our beliefs rather than attempting to construct a new or better one.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a highly specialized, technical term used primarily in analytic philosophy. It is not a general descriptor but a label for a specific methodological approach within metaphysics. The 'descriptive' aspect refers to analyzing our actual conceptual scheme.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term originates from British philosopher P.F. Strawson, so it is deeply embedded in Anglo-American analytic philosophy.
Connotations
Carries a neutral, technical connotation within philosophy. May imply a contrast with more speculative or system-building (revisionary) metaphysical approaches.
Frequency
Exclusively used in academic philosophical discourse. Extremely low frequency outside this domain.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] practices/engages in descriptive metaphysics.[Author]'s descriptive metaphysics argues/describes...The aim/goal of descriptive metaphysics is to...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in philosophy papers, seminars, and books to designate a specific methodological approach to investigating fundamental reality.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in analytic metaphysics and philosophy of language.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- Her descriptive-metaphysical approach avoids grand speculative claims.
- The paper's framework is distinctly descriptive-metaphysical.
American English
- His descriptive-metaphysical project focuses on our ordinary conceptual scheme.
- They adopted a descriptive-metaphysical stance in the debate.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The philosopher distinguished between descriptive and revisionary metaphysics.
- Descriptive metaphysics tries to describe the basic structure of our thinking about the world.
- In 'Individuals,' Strawson's descriptive metaphysics elucidates the primacy of material bodies and persons within our conceptual scheme.
- A key tenet of descriptive metaphysics is that analysis must start from our existing, committed perspective within the world.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DESCRIBE the map of reality we already use, don't try to REVISE it into a new one.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHILOSOPHY IS CARTOGRAPHY (descriptive metaphysics maps the existing terrain of concepts).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'descriptive' as simply описательный in a casual sense. It implies 'non-revisionary, analytic.' The term is a fixed compound.
- Do not confuse with 'descriptive linguistics.' The domain is explicitly metaphysical/philosophical.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a fancy synonym for 'detailed' or 'thorough.' (Incorrect: 'His report was a piece of descriptive metaphysics.')
- Confusing it with 'metaphysical description.' It is a named methodology.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary goal of descriptive metaphysics?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The British philosopher P.F. Strawson in his 1959 book 'Individuals: An Essay in Descriptive Metaphysics.'
Revisionary metaphysics. The latter aims to produce a better structure of reality, while descriptive metaphysics aims to describe the one we already have.
No, it is highly theoretical but its theory is about the implicit structure of our ordinary thought, not a replacement for it.
Strawson's analysis of the concept of a 'person' as a primitive, non-reducible entity that embodies both consciousness and physical characteristics.