​
​Eight Metaphysical Missteps

To which metaphysical enthusiasts,
including process philosophers, are prone

Jay McDaniel
​

​

• The Illusion of Metaphysical Primacy: To think that the particulars of life—such as the way sunlight filters through the leaves of grass, or the way a baby laughs in the immediacy of a moment —are significant primarily because they illustrate metaphysical principles. Even process philosophers, who emphasize the importance of experience, can fall into the trap of elevating abstract concepts above the lived, immediate experiences that give life its richness. This contradicts the process philosophy spirit, which values the concrete particularity of each moment.
• The Illusion of Historical Deduction: To think that the unfolding of history, with all its messiness, unpredictabilities, and complexities, can be fully deduced from metaphysical principles. Process philosophers may inadvertently apply their metaphysical ideas too rigidly, expecting history to unfold in a manner consistent with these principles. This illusion overlooks the dynamic, evolving nature of history that process thought itself champions, where novelty and unpredictability are essential aspects of reality.
• The Illusion of Complete Understanding: To think that things are truly "understood" only when they are understood through the lens of metaphysical principles. Process philosophy encourages understanding the world in relational and experiential terms, yet even its adherents may sometimes privilege metaphysical frameworks over direct engagement with the world. This illusion contradicts the process focus on experience and the lived reality that cannot always be neatly encapsulated in abstract terms.
• The Illusion that Truth is Clear: To think that metaphysical principles are rightly grasped only when they are presented in clear and unambiguous terms, such that "vagueness" or ambiguity is seen as a fault. While process philosophy often embraces complexity and the idea that reality cannot be fully captured in precise terms, its philosophers may still fall prey to the desire for clarity. This illusion ignores the process insight that vagueness and ambiguity are intrinsic to the evolving, indeterminate nature of reality.
• The Illusion that Change begins with Metaphysics: To think that changing the world for the better necessarily requires a new metaphysical framework. Process philosophy emphasizes the importance of metaphysics, but it also recognizes that real change often comes through practical actions, ethical commitments, and relationships. This illusion assumes that a novel metaphysic is a prerequisite for transformation, overlooking the process insight that change can emerge from within existing frameworks, driven by the lived experiences and interactions of individuals and communities.

• The Illusion of a Single Ultimate Reality: This is the belief that there must be one definitive "ultimate" reality, a singular truth that underlies all of existence. This illusion assumes that all experiences, perspectives, and realities must converge into one fundamental reality. It overlooks the possibility that reality might be pluralistic, with multiple, coexisting ultimate realities that are equally valid in different contexts or perspectives. This view challenges the idea that there is one final, all-encompassing metaphysical truth, suggesting instead that reality might be more complex and multifaceted.
• The illusion that the "ultimate" matters more than the immediate. This illusion places the notion of an "ultimate reality" above the particular, everyday experiences that constitute life. It suggests that understanding or connecting with some higher, abstract reality is more important than engaging with the concrete details of daily life. This perspective can lead to the devaluation of the immediate, lived experiences that give life its texture and meaning, such as personal relationships, sensory experiences, and emotional responses. It implies that the significance of these experiences lies primarily in their relation to a higher reality, rather than in their intrinsic value.
• The Illusion of thinking that God as the Sole Source of Value: This is the belief that all value in the world must originate from God, that God is the exclusive source of meaning, worth, and goodness. This illusion assumes that without God, nothing can truly have value. However, this perspective can overlook the ways in which value can emerge from various sources, such as human relationships, personal achievements, nature, art, and the intrinsic qualities of things themselves. It suggests that value is not solely dependent on a divine source but can arise independently from other aspects of existence.