Position:Home>Philosophy> What is the main difference between Metaphysics and Epistemology?

As another answer said, metaphysics deals with the question of what is real!. Basically, this can be divided into three basic approaches: 1) the platonic approach, where reality exists in a higher realm and the realm we experience is just a shadow of reality; 2) the Aristotelian approach, where the realm we experience is reality, and all of our concepts are derived from that realm; and 3) the nihilistic approach, where there is no reality and everything is a construct within our minds!.

Epistemology is the study of how do we know what we know!. Basically, the study of epistemology is a means of establishing a methodology for separating truth from falsehood!.

For more on this, I highly recommend Stefan Molyneux's Intro to Philosophy video series on youtube!. I have posted the relevant videos as well as the series play list in the sources!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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Metaphysics deals with reality and the nature of things!. Questions like is there a difference between the mind and body!. It encompasses epistemology!. Epistemology is about knowledge!.So, it would deal with how can we know if there is a difference between the mind and body!. Even if we can differentiate between the two in metaphysics, where did the knowledge come from!?
To understand epistemology, think of something you think you know!. Lets say, the sky is blue!. People in the field would ask how can you know that!. They are not speaking scientifically, but trying to understand how you can be sure!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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Metaphysics asks questions about what is real!. Epistemology involves how you know what you think you know!.

If you're Christian, for example: God is part of your metaphysics!. Your epistemology might include scripture, teaching by the clergy, or personal divine inspiration--those 'ways of knowing' about God are your epistemologies!.

Common 'ways of knowing' in western culture include those religious methods, plus various scientific methods (controlled experiments, modeling, qualitative observation), new-age stuff like astrology and meditation, altered states of consciousness (like all the hippies who dropped LSD and exclaimed "I see God!"), philosophy, folk wisdom, experience, trial-and-error, and common sense (which we acknowledge as neither very common nor often sensible)!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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Meta physics is the study of reality beyond the physical realm!.Epistemology is the study of theTheory of Knowledge!.
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