4.5 Metaphysics

Getting Started

This written assignment is the second of your personal responses to each of the three main areas of our study of philosophy. You will write a paper on the topic of metaphysics (ontology) using the information in Chapters 7 and 8 of A Christian Philosophical Journey (CPJ).

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Develop a thesis using a four-step process of philosophical analysis.

· Formulate arguments in support of or opposition to a position on metaphysics.

Resources

· Website: IWU Off Campus Library Services (OCLS)

· Website: Course Dashboard, IWU Resources

· Textbook: A Christian Philosophical Journey

· File: Expressing Yourself Philosophically.pdf

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Review Chapter 7 in your textbook, A Christian Philosophical Journey. You may also want to use materials from Chapter 8.

3. Read and use the example outline in the  Expressing Yourself Philosophically.pdf  file to write your paper.

4. Write a four- to five-page paper in APA format on the topic of ontology.

a. Form a single thesis statement that you would like to defend on the topic of metaphysics (reality). This is where you also want to begin with an introduction that defines the terms you will use.

b. Use the four-step course methodology of understanding, analysis, evaluation, and application to develop your thesis.

c. Provide arguments both in support of and in opposition to your thesis. Use examples from the textbook and outside research citing at least three different philosophers/scholars.

d. Give your response to these arguments from others. Are they valid? Where do they lack validity?

e. Provide a summary of your findings in the conclusion. Did your beginning thesis statement on metaphysics/ontology hold true?