Final answer:
While Schopenhauer's concept of the will as the foundation of reality is a significant philosophical idea, it differs fundamentally from contemporary physics, making direct connections challenging. However, metaphysical discussions may draw parallels or metaphors from principles like inertia in physics or concepts from quantum mechanics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the connection between Schopenhauerian metaphysics, which posits the will as the thing-in-itself, and our contemporary understanding of physics. It's important to recognize that while Arthur Schopenhauer's metaphysical concept of the will as the underlying reality of the world was a significant philosophical idea in the 19th century, it is fundamentally different from how physics conceptualizes reality.
Nevertheless, in the domain of philosophy of science, there may be discussions on the parallels between metaphysical ideas and physics. For instance, the principle of inertia in physics can be seen as having a metaphysical counterpart in the difficulty of changing established intellectual trajectories, as highlighted in the quote provided.
Also, the advent of quantum mechanics revolutionized our understanding of the atomic and subatomic levels, which can occasionally draw metaphorical comparisons to philosophical ideas concerning reality and observation. However, making direct links between Schopenhauer's concept of will and the empirical data of contemporary physics can be challenging due to the fundamentally different nature and goals of metaphysics and empirical science.