Metaphysics

**“Why is there something rather than nothing?” is a question that lies at the heart of philosophy. In Western philosophy, it’s historically been a common idea that the world can be traced back to a single, fundamental cause. In recent times, however, this has been challenged. Perhaps there is no original cause or explanation for the world, and the question itself is mistaken. Even so, the attempt to show where the mistake lies requires an examination of the notions of existence, causality, and explanation.** **Some of the questions raised are: does the universe require a timeless, non-natural cause? What does it mean for something to be a cause or explanation for something else? Can anything be a cause or explanation for itself? Can there be fundamental objects with nothing deeper explaining them?** **Metaphysics of Causality and Explanation:** **A well-known concept in philosophy is the principle of sufficient reason (PSR). In one form, it states that everything must have a reason, cause, or ground.** **One justification for this principle is that it seems to be crucial to rational inquiry. When facts about the world are discovered, we often don’t take them for granted with no reason or explanation for their existence. When it rains, for example, the cause of the rain is the buildup of water in clouds exceeding a threshold, and then the water is released and pulled down by gravity. The buildup of water is the result of condensation of water which was previously evaporated by the sun or other heat sources. Those heat sources in turn are explained by other prior causes and so on.** **That raises the question of whether a chain of causes can be infinite. There are arguments for and against the possibility. One argument against an infinite series of past temporal causes is that if there were such a series, it would not be possible to reach the present. This seems to require an infinite number of events to pass, which is a contradiction, as an infinite series of events can’t be traversed.** **There have also been attempts to show that while infinite causal chains may be possible, the chains made up of objects which are contingent, as in they can either exist or not exist, still require an external cause.** **As straightforward as the PSR may seem, complications arise for at least some formulations of it. When combined with an account of causation in which effects must follow from their causes, it seems like the PSR requires that nothing is contingent. In other words, everything is necessary, and every event and object inevitably exists.** **However, even if some forms of the PSR have their difficulties, there may be more refined versions which hold true. Often, these refined principles are used to conclude that there is a first cause or ultimate explanation for the rest of reality.** **Candidates for the First Cause/Ultimate Explanation:** **One candidate for a first cause is an initial natural state. There have been models of such a state which are necessary or contingent, and ones which have a finite past or infinite one. Either way, the appeal of this kind of first cause is that it fits with a principle known as the causal closure of the physical. Since all observed causes and effects don’t defy the laws of nature, it may be presumed that all of causal reality is composed of natural objects. This satisfies metaphysical naturalists, but at the present state, it is problematic for a number of reasons.** **One reason a contingent first cause is problematic is the principle that “something can’t come from nothing”. If the universe, especially if it has a finite past, did not come from any prior cause, then that is a defiance of this principle. If we accept that this principle is false, then we seem to be lacking in an explanation for the observation that things don’t constantly start existing for no reason. If the universe can “pop” into existence, why not anything else?** **One modern philosopher, Graham Oppy, has suggested instead that the natural initial state is necessary. To explain the existence of the world, he claims that objective non-deterministic effects followed from that initial state. A universe with a finite past would be explained by that initial state, and so would the universe of contingent objects.** **Two candidates other than conventional naturalism for ultimate explanations of the world are theism and axiarchism.** **Theism in the West is typically construed as the assertion that an omnipotent, omniscient, omnibenevolent God exists. Theologians and philosophers also describe him as necessary, and there are many arguments which attempt to demonstrate his existence.** **Cosmological arguments are a class of arguments which start from facts about the universe to conclude the existence of God. Arguments from contingency are an example. In general, they take the existence of the contingent universe, and proceed to show that they must be caused by a being with the previously described omni-properties. Another is the Kalam cosmological argument, which asserts the finiteness of the universe’s past, and attempts to reach the conclusion of God’s existence.** **In modern day philosophy, a new argument is the appearance of fine-tuning. Based on our current understanding of physics, it is unlikely that physical constants which allow for life would result from chance, as might be expected from non-theistic worldviews. Therefore, a cosmic designer who chose those constants is proposed, and the tri-omni God is thought to be a plausible candidate for such a designer.** **The most well-known non-theistic alternative to this is a multiverse, but that faces powerful objections as well, such as lacking in simplicity and leading to results such as Boltzmann brains.** **However, a major issue with theism is the problem of evil. Many interpretations of God’s omni-properties would conclude that there are aspects of the world which make God’s existence highly unlikely. Natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes are evidence that any being who did not prevent the deaths of innocents involved either was not able to prevent them, which rules out omnipotence, or not willing to prevent them, which rules out omnibenevolence. Disease, as well as human actions such as murder and sexual assault, also count as evidence against such a being.** **Axiarchism is a worldview which may account for the problem of evil better than theism. In summary, it is the view that values determine reality. This may be a non-causal relationship, but still one in which aspects of the world, such as life-permitting physical laws, are explained. It may not just be moral values which determine reality, but aesthetic or more general values.** **One description of the values is that they are abstract objects, existing outside of space and time, and having no causal relationships. They are also necessary. This is a form of platonism, and the connection between value and existence has a long history. In many cases, this was used in forms of theism, such as Thomas Aquinas who declared that God is Being. Other theologians have also claimed that existence itself is good, and that evil can only exist as absences or privations of goodness.** **The appeal of values as an explanation, whether included in a form of theism or not, is that these values would not only exist, but they are normative. They don’t just describe reality, they place aims for reality to head toward. For those who find the existence of objective value plausible, axiarchism is a powerful possibility.** **Questions:** **1. Which, if any, of the candidates for a first cause or ultimate explanation is the most likely?** **2. What alternatives could there be for such a cause or explanation?** **3. Could we ever have enough evidence to single out one candidate and eliminate the others? What would constitute such evidence?** **4. Is it likely for there to be any such cause or explanation?** We meet in person and online. In person will be at the cafeteria of the applied physics lab. Snack and drinks are available for online purchase. Pizza will be provided as well at a price of $2/slice. Online will be: https://teams.live.com/meet/93583191724730?p=hY3jxVvnOciVl2aRn5 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

**The rules are simple:** Take photographs **Each and Every Day** and post your best **ONE** (1) shot of the day - **EACH DAY** for **April**. If you happen to miss a day or two (life happens), it is **OK** to catch up and upload the photos for the days missed or just skip those days. **Please don't post over 2 to 3 at a time**. This is part of the learning process. **DO NOT POST TO THE ALBUM *UNTIL* AFTER 04/01/2026**. Please use a browser like Chrome and the Meetup.com website to post the images, as **the Meetup app does not handle albums very well**. Towards the top-left of the page is a link to **Add Photos** for uploading your photo to the album. **CONFIRM** **that your photo was Added to the correct Album.** Remember to post your **best photo (JUST ONE)** you took every day on that day! **DO NOT POST PHOTOS FROM ANY OTHER TIME!** If you have time to post an older image, you can take a new image and post it. Be creative. Please **add a caption** to know how far you are in the process. After you upload the image you took that day, find your photo at the end of the album, and edit the caption to state the day and total of days in the month like this:**?/30**. You can add the title of the image if you wish. A good title can make a photo! So, your photo for the **April 1st** caption would be "**1/30: My great photo!**" \*\* Adding a caption helps you keep track of where you are in the month. It does help. The purpose is to have fun and get in the habit of shooting every day. Learn to use your camera. Read your manual and test out a new feature you have never used before. Sometimes picking a theme/project can help focus (pun intended), like flowers, your pet(s), a lens you haven't used in a while, or whatever your passion is. Or try something new... The **end date is 04/30/2026**. Meetup.com does not allow events to be longer than 2 weeks. Other images that were not taken by you will be removed. Please keep the images family-friendly. You need to be a member of the Virginia Beltway Photography Group. I look forward to seeing how far people go and grow as better photographers!

**Join the IANDS of Columbia MD Near-Death & Spiritual Discussion Group at the Columbia Central Library 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy Columbia, MD 21044** **in the CEN Studio Room on 2nd Floor** for an enlightening discussion on spiritual experiences and divine guidance. This event will delve into the realms of metaphysics, consciousness, and spirituality, exploring topics such as mediumship, out-of-body experiences, and inner wisdom. Participants will have the opportunity to share insights on near-death experiences and the transformative power of spiritual growth. Whether you are intrigued by the concept of reincarnation or interested in the principles of spiritualism, this event promises to deepen your understanding of the spiritual journey. Embrace the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and embark on a path of personal transformation and enlightenment.

**The Inner Path: Meditation, Wisdom, and Spiritual Guidance** **Wednesdays, 7:00pm-8:00pm** **With various Kadampa Teachers** True happiness and freedom comes from training the mind in meditation and wisdom. In this series, based on The New Meditation Handbook by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, we will explore essential meditations that lead us to lasting inner peace and spiritual realization. We begin with the meditation on Tranquil Abiding, learning how to develop strong mindfulness and concentration and overcome the obstacles that prevent inner calm. We then turn to Emptiness, Buddha’s profound wisdom that reveals the true nature of reality and frees us from ignorance and self-grasping. Finally, we conclude with the meditation on Reliance on a Spiritual Guide, the foundation of all spiritual attainments. Each class includes guided meditation, practical advice, and discussion. Everyone is welcome — from beginners to experienced meditators. **Schedule** March 4: Learning to Meditate: Finding Focus and Peace March 11: Mindfulness and Concentration: The Tools of Tranquil Abiding March 18: Overcoming Obstacles to Meditation March 25: Abiding in Stillness: The Joy of a Concentrated Mind April 1: What Is Emptiness? Understanding the True Nature of Reality April 8: Emptiness of the Body: Letting Go of Attachment *April 15: No Class: Celebration of Buddha’s Enlightenment Day- Special Prayers* April 22: Emptiness of the Self: The Key to True Freedom April 29: The Power of Spiritual Guidance **REGISTRATION** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship $6 \| Free for [Members](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) [Pre-Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/lamrim-meditation/) Each class is available by drop in. Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

**Tired of surface-level conversations?** Join us for *Ditch the Small Talk*—an evening of deep, real connection with strangers who are down to go there. We’ll meet at the church (we are a secular group), break into small groups, and draw questions from a deck of cards designed to spark vulnerable, honest conversations. ***Rules:*** 1. Don't debate politics. 2. Keep what is shared in the group within the group. 3. If you need to use your phone, step away from your group first. \*\*If you show up late, please hop into a group and don't interrupt the speaker. Just sit down in a group of your choice, and they'll bring you up to speed when whoever is talking finishes. Community of Christ church: 3526 Massachusetts Ave.

Socrates Café meets on the first Saturday of each month. Though this may be considered a "philosophical" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, morality, and the first principles of things. Prior to each meeting we vote online for the questions we will discuss. That way, we will have enough time to ruminate on them and have more in-depth conversations. If you RSVP to a meeting, you may post your question in the event comments section below. I'll send out a survey for voting a few days prior to the meetup. We discuss two questions each night. So you will get to cast two votes in the survey. When we meet, we break into smaller groups of five to seven to discuss the top two vote-getters. Each group discusses one question for around 45-50 minutes, and we then take a short break. After reconvening, each group moves on to its second question. Hope to see you there! -Brian

Join us for an afternoon of chess in a fun and relaxed setting. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Club boards are provided. Bring your own clocks or use Chess.com's Chess Clock app. We generally meet in the blue room, which is to your right after entering. If we're not in the blue room we're at the far left near the beer tanks in the back corner.

Join DC Metro Crafts for our first Thursday meetup. Bring your own cross stitch, knitting, crochet, or other portable craft. The Southwest Library is right off the Waterfront Metro. We're upstairs in Conference Room 1 (not 2). Note: The RSVP limit for this is 8 people. It's a small room and all that was available. Please make sure to rsvp if you're coming.

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

**The Virginia Bluebells are in bloom** Bring Water, Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards Hope you can join us for breakfast after this field trip. At 9:00 AM, we will meet in the parking lot near the visitor's center and then head to the Silver Diner in Tyson's Corner, 8101 Fletcher St, McLean, VA 22102. By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/

Higher Grounds – Arlington is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you you (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Arlington who are also seeking deeper conversations. Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions * What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? * When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? * What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles * Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? * What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? * How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human * What human experiences will AI never truly understand? * If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? * What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning * What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? * How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? * What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche * What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? * Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? * What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose * When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? * What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? * How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection * What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? * When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? * What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality * What are you running out of time to say or do? * How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? * What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? Suggested Questions: Society & Culture * What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? * Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? * What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy * What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? * When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? * What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

Join us for pizza and conversation at Vick’s Gourmet Pizza! 🍕 Good slices, good stories, and plenty of laughs around the table. Come hungry, bring your best conversation, and let’s enjoy a relaxed evening with great company. Extra cheese and extra chatter encouraged! 😄

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

We will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH