The Musings of a Dafty, Delinquent Papist

Metaphysics Isn’t Just for Philosophers

People typically hear the word metaphysics and immediately switch off.

I don’t blame them. So did I.

I often yawn when I read the average scholastic treatise. The amazing intellects of scholars speak a subtle language. It’s foreign speech in an apparent ivory tower. The human equivalent to the seraphic realms of the Dionysian celestial hierarchy.

Yet, many of us still feel a metaphysical hunger, a contemplative drive to grasp and control our pursuit of happiness. We admire scholars, but want the bottom-line. A translation of metaphysical complexity into simple terms, to better guide our steps towards happiness in the chaos of daily human life.

But here’s the funny thing: we all already have a metaphysics.

We daily make assumptions about truth, goodness, happiness, love, justice, God, and what makes life worth living. We just don’t usually stop to examine them.

That’s why I’ve been writing Musings of a Dafty, Delinquent Papist, which will be coming soon to Amazon.

It’s not an academic textbook. It’s an invitation to think.
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One line sums up the whole project: “The truth’s staring us in the face.”

The book explores first principles of metaphysics in ordinary language—truth, ethics, God, prayer, virtue. So too the habits that quietly shape our lives.

My hope is that readers come away not with my worldview, but with a clearer understanding of their own.

One of my take-away observations in the book is: “Actions speak louder than feelings—and words.”

Our daily routines reveal what we really believe far better than our opinions in the pub ever will.

Another idea that keeps appearing throughout the book is that philosophy shouldn’t feel like eating cardboard—or like binging on empty calories.

“We want solid metaphysical food. We don’t want a tonne of chocolatey or tasteless words with little nutritional benefit.”

That’s what I’m aiming for: ideas that are substantial without being inaccessible.

Ultimately, the book keeps returning to these questions:

“Suppose this was your purpose: to rationally seek maximal pleasure for yourself and others?

Yet, what is rationality? Pleasure? Benevolence’s selflessness?

How do we ordinary folk go about answering these questions?

Howsoever you answer these questions, I hope the journey provides you with the ideas and tools to dig for yourself – to know yourself better. A bird’s eye view of knowledge.

If that sounds like your sort of thing, keep an eye out.

The Musings of a Dafty, Delinquent Papist is coming soon.