I'm looking at taking some courses in metaphysics, and while accreditation isn't absolutely neccessary it's certainly is a consideration. I'm wanting to learn from the courses, as it's going to help with my research for one of my books. Are there any accredited options out there? I did a google search, but not sure exactly what to look for in this field, except to avoid the programmes that require life experience and a valid credit card. I did notice that Harvard offers a course titled "Introduction to Metaphysics" via distance, and it's certainly an option for the spring term, but I want more than just one course. Is there anything to look for as far as accreditation for some of these schools? I've noticed University Of Metaphysical Sciences, and University of Metaphysics that is working with the University of Sedona, but they seem to lack something, and I certainly don't want to just purchase a worthless certificate to hang on the wall. Are there any options in South Africa? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Matt
There are two basics meanings to the term Metaphysics. The first has to do with that branch of Philosophy that concerns itself with such things as ontology and cosmology. The second is more religious or spiritual in nature and has to do with mysticism or occultism. It's not clear from your question which of these has captured your interest. Jack
Jack's absolutely right. (I'm getting a feeling of deja-vu all over again. Didn't we have another thread maybe a year ago where somebody asked this question, where Jack made his comment, where I agreed with him... ?) If you are interested in the less academic sort of "metaphysics", and if you can do without university credit, accreditation and all that stuff, you might want to take a look at the Rosicrucians. They have been offering their own peculiar DL program for the better part of a hundred years: http://www.rosicrucian.org/about/mastery/mastery05system.html I gather that it's free to those who pay the organization's dues. Personally, I consider their syllabus rather flaky. (But flaky is an occupational hazard with the esoteric brand of metaphysics.) On the other hand, the Rosicrucian organization does do some very cool things. The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose houses the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in California. http://www.rosicrucian.org/park/museum/index.html The Rosicrucian Planetarium was recently renovated: http://www.rosicrucian.org/park/planetarium/index.html The Planetarium is currently offering a free (!) sky show in conjunction with the California Institute of Integral Studies on CIIS' Dr. David Ulansey's fascinating theory on the astrological significance of Mithraic iconography: http://www.egyptianmuseum.org/news/2004/05planetarium_mithraic.html The Rosicrucians also have their own research library that includes some interesting rare books: http://www.egyptianmuseum.org/collection/online_exhibits/collection.html
Yes, I did and then you did and then, if I remember correctly, others joined in as well. My primary criticism of the occult/mysticism variety of metaphysics is that it tends to slip off quickly into silly sorts of topics such as might be found in tabloid newspapers like the National Enquirer. The closest I could come to a real suggestion is the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology http://www.itp.edu If I could afford it I'd consider a degree from that school. If the original poster would say something further about his primary interest we might be able to come up with another suggestion or two. Jack
Atlantic University You might want to explore Atlantic University. They have a DETC accredited MA in Transpersonal Studies. My wife is an Edgar Cayce (quasi)-follower. She's checked it out and may attend someday. Unfortunately, I am an existentialist and cannot find it in me to believe in anything at all.
You might want to look here - http://www.cms.edu/ It is a bit flanky of a place but I have taken a course there and have attended the church a few times.
