Metaphysical cosmology is the branch of metaphysics that deals with the world as the totality of all phenomena in space and time.
Historically, it formed a major part of the subject alongside ontology, though its role is more peripheral in contemporary philosophy..
They argue that Herodotus’ reference to Pythagoras as a wise man ( sophistês) and Heraclitus’ description of him as pursuing inquiry ( historiê ), show that he was regarded as practicing rational cosmology (Kahn 2002, 16–17; Zhmud 2012a, 33–43).
The only thing that could prove this in Pythagoras’ case is reliable early evidence for a rational cosmology and that is precisely what is lacking.
There is more controversy about the fourth-century evidence. Zhmud argues that Isocrates regards Pythagoras as a philosopher and mathematician (2012a, 50).
Rational cosmology is concerned with the argumentsabout the nature and constitution of the “world,”understood as the sum-total of all appearances (objects and events inspace and time) (A420/B448).
The arguments about the world occupy anespecially important place in Kant’s rejection of metaphysics.
