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“Ainsi toute la Philosophie est comme un arbre, dont les racines sont la Métaphysique, le tronc est la Physique, et les branches qui sortent de ce tronc sont toutes les autres sciences…“
This Cartesian scala praedicamentalis still re-presents the fundamental/ist traits of (western) philosophy with
• a clear Grund with meta-physics as its roots
• a set of narratives that constitute this foundation
• and various disciplines, embedded in fragmentary dualities.
As the roots nourish the tree, we share its hierarchical ontology: meta-physics. In order to de-form this arborescent symmeTree, the Grund is replaced by weak metaphysics- while the former represents the linear strive towards the ou-topian further (no future), the latter is the beyond (paradise now). While meta-physics has violent answers, metaphysics poses no(n-violent)questions. Evidently, this attempt requires an abandonement of the pleasant path of discursive/sym-metrical theory:
Thus, in a second step the homogeneous roots are extracted by means of manifold rhizomes; eventual comPositions give way to event-ual and, therefore, non-violent TRANSitions.
Table of Contents
1. Via, veritas et vita: Meta-physics by violent means
1.1. Veritas. On the „Grund“
1.1.1. Via. Into the dark
1.1.2. Vita. Common sense
1.2. (R)Evolution: empty (w)holes
1.2.1. Macro.Shift
1.3. [Insertion]On monads and holons
2. A-Dios: Nietzsche and the re-naissance of metaphysics
1.1. Killing Idols. In-venting Gods
1.1.1. Souvenir
1.2. Für das Unsichtbare sterben. The fable
3. Beyond (and) the further
2. 1. Where to search?
2.1.1. [Dys– topoi Ou–]
2.1.1.1. Dystopia
2.1.1.2. Utopia
2.1.2. [Insertion]: Speed!
2.1.3. Time
2.1.4. Intermezzo: The fifth field
4. Two:fold
1.1. Paroxysm . NO FUTURE versus
1.2. Verwindung. versus
1.3. diesseits versus jenseits. GUT versus evil
1.4. Physics: phýsis
1.4.1. Energetic dialectics
5. tertium datur
1.1. Insertion. Tractatus irrationalis
1.2. Re-action: personal metaphysics
6. Trans:Port
2.1. Interpretations
Research Objective and Thematic Scope
This thesis explores the intersection of classical metaphysics and contemporary "meta-physics" to expose the violent, arborescent structures of traditional discourse. The central research question seeks to investigate whether a nonviolent, "rhizomatic" approach to metaphysics is possible, effectively moving beyond hierarchical foundations and totalizing definitions toward a state of constant questioning and convalescence.
- Deconstruction of arborescent hierarchies and the search for "Grund" (foundation).
- Critique of systemic/holistic "theories of everything" as new forms of traditional meta-physics.
- Exploration of the rhizome as a non-synthetic, non-hierarchical alternative to standard ontological frameworks.
- Analysis of the "beyond" vs. the "further" as shifting narrative frames for meaning.
- Investigation into non-violent metaphysical "re-search" through art, metaphor, and personal interpretation.
Excerpt from the Book
[Via, veritas et vita: Meta-physics by violent means]
One essential(ist) trait of meta-physics is to provide us with the way, the truth and existence– not too astonishingly, only few thinkers of the post dare to name it, for they progressively run after the likewise progressive novum. Nonetheless, we have to deal with these violent procedures, we need to find a way out out of this totalitarian establishment. Yet an exit requires a previously determined threat; but how can we nonviolently define violence, for de-fining is violent itself?
For Gianni Vattimo it is the “Schweigen gebietende Endgültigkeit der ´in Präsenz´ gegebenen Begründung“ that allows us to identify violence without evading to meta(-) physical terms like “nature” or a special structure of being. Indeed, this seems to be a very happy end, but unfortunately it is not a lucky beginning. For the time being, we have to insist on the linear meta-physical term “meta” here, as the same implies violence from the very beginning: “meta” represents nothing but the endeavour to work our way through to the last Grund. Violence is a Be-Gründung with meta-physics as its solid base; every definition has its roots in a last raison.
Summary of Chapters
Via, veritas et vita: Meta-physics by violent means: This chapter analyzes the fundamental tendency of Western philosophy to seek a grounding or "Grund," critiquing this search as a violent, exclusionary act that attempts to establish absolute, totalizing structures.
A-Dios: Nietzsche and the re-naissance of metaphysics: This section examines how the "death of God" did not end metaphysics, but rather led to its re-emergence through the re-invention of new, fragmented idols and the re-discovery of religious plausibility outside Enlightenment criticism.
Beyond (and) the further: The focus here lies on the distinction between the "beyond"—a present-oriented, open horizon—and the "further"—a future-oriented, teleological assumption—to advocate for non-linear, non-violent narrative spaces.
Two:fold: This chapter deconstructs traditional dualities like good/evil, matter/spirit, and order/chaos, arguing that these binaries are artificial constructions that obscure the complex, intensive processes of the rhizome.
tertium datur: The author proposes a "manifold tertium" (third) as an anti-synthesis that dissolves traditional logical frameworks, inviting an existence defined by process rather than classification.
Trans:Port: Exploring the concept of transmodernity, this chapter discusses "portals" and "transitions" that avoid the pitfalls of modernity and postmodernity by acknowledging the historical heritage while refusing the constraints of progressive linearity.
Key Keywords
Metaphysics, Meta-physics, Grund, Rhizome, Deconstruction, Vattimo, Heidegger, Nietzsche, Violence, Ontology, Truth, Interpretation, Beyond, Holons, Systemic thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental premise of this thesis?
The work argues that Western philosophy has historically been obsessed with creating "violent" foundations (Grund) that seek to explain everything, and it proposes an alternative, rhizomatic approach that avoids such totalizing definitions.
What are the primary fields of inquiry?
The research synthesizes metaphysics, contemporary physics, systemic theory, and continental philosophy—specifically thinkers like Heidegger, Vattimo, Deleuze, and Nietzsche—to map the shift from arborescent to rhizomatic thought.
What is the central goal or research question?
The core objective is to identify if a non-violent, non-hierarchical metaphysics is possible, effectively asking how we can engage with the "beyond" without resorting to the exclusionary mechanisms of traditional foundation-building.
Which methodology is applied in this study?
The author employs a hermeneutical and deconstructive methodology, rejecting standardized academic path-following in favor of a "rhizomatic" structure that prioritizes fragmentation, interpretation, and ongoing convalescence over definitive conclusions.
What does the "main body" address?
The body chapters dissect the concepts of roots, trunks, and branches of philosophy, moving through historical critiques of God, truth, and the linear perception of time to reveal the underlying processes of individuation.
Which key terms characterize the work?
Core terms include "rhizome" (non-hierarchical structure), "Grund" (violent foundation), "meta-physics" (the tendency to explain all), "Verwindung" (a non-dialectical recovery), and "in-between" (the space of non-decidable meaning).
How does the author interpret the term "beyond"?
The "beyond" is conceptualized as an immediate, present-oriented state that invites questioning, in stark contrast to the "further," which implies a teleological or anticipated future.
What role do contemporary physics play in this philosophical work?
Physics, particularly quantum theory, is utilized to demonstrate the inadequacy of mechanistic "explicans." The indeterminacy of the quantum field serves as a metaphor for the author's rejection of a singular, solid "truth."
- Quote paper
- Mag. Phil, M,A. Julia Hölzl (Author), 2006, Beyond Eden [distorting symmetree], Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/78208
