Your essay paper will be on two topics: metaphysics and epistemology. Do all of this using correct spelling, grammar, and syntax—just as if it were an English paper—and without plagiarizing (using someone elseâ€
s writing as if it were your own, without using quotation marks and appropriately citing each quotation). Any paper with significant plagiarism will receive a zero. Use MLA form for any citations (instructions for how to use MLA form are posted on the course website). If you donâ€t use correct MLA form, one point will be subtracted from your paper. And you are required to have at least three correct citations in your paper. Your final essay must be at least 1,200 relevant words. I must receive your essay paper in the dropbox in a readable format (use Microsoft Word—donâ€t post a pdf) by Tuesday, November 30, 11:59pm.
​Iâ€ve set the dropbox to check your grammar, spelling, and originality (for plagiarism). If you submit your paper early, you may submit a new version that corrects your errors up until the final deadline. I will grade the last paper you submit. The final essay will be worth up to 10 points. No late papers will be accepted.
​Use the following questions as a template to make sure youâ€ve answered all the parts of the essay. Please number each section of your paper with the number of each corresponding question as you answer them.
Metaphysics:
1. In your own words (but not your own definition), define the term “metaphysics†as used in the discipline of philosophy. Use examples from your reading of the textbook to illustrate at least two options in metaphysics, such as materialism, dualism, or idealism. Identify the two philosophers who illustrate the metaphysics you use as your two illustrations. (1 point) In any textbook you have, always check to see if thereâ€s a glossary and an index. A glossary will give you succinct definitions of important terms. But remember, if you quote that definition, you need quotation marks and a citation. I prefer you to paraphrase, but even if you do that—since youâ€re using someone elseâ€s ideas—you need to cite using MLA form. Also, the index will refer you to relevant sections of the text that you may need to re-read before writing. Donâ€t write anything ridiculous—such as, thereâ€s “no accepted meaning for the term metaphysics,†or that itâ€s all “just a matter of opinion.â€
2. Describe the nature of Platoâ€s dualistic metaphysics, including a thorough explanation of Platoâ€s two-worlds theory (with descriptions of the characteristics of those two worlds), define precisely what an “eternal form†is, and explain Platoâ€s “doctrine of the hypostatic union†(you need not describe any later religious versions of his idea, but make sure you accurately describe Platoâ€s doctrine in its broad meaning). (1.5 points) Again, use your glossary and index, but also use the Cave Allegory article. I tried to explain these ideas in detail there. Make sure you understand Platoâ€s doctrine of the hypostatic union. Plato precedes Christianity by centuries, so if you only give me the Christian theological interpretation of the hypostatic union that you copied from the internet, youâ€ll get at least one point taken off your paper.
3. Explain Aristotleâ€s materialistic metaphysics; and in doing so, accurately define what a substance is, explain the four causes or questions (donâ€t just list them), and define the Prime Mover and accurately describe the role that the Prime Mover occupies in Aristotleâ€s thought. (1.5 points) Again, use the sources in the textbook, but also the notes I posted on Aristotle. Be sure to explain each of these items—merely listing these ideas alone will not receive full credit. You must explain them so that I know you understand them.
4. Describe the metaphysical view you find most appropriate by reference to both Plato and Aristotleâ€s views on the topic. That is, (a) tell me your view, identify it clearly—and (b) explain how it agrees or disagrees with Plato and Aristotle, and why you chose to agree or disagree. (1 point) You already have a metaphysical view: for example, if you believe that the world is made of matter, but yet there exists an immaterial God, then you are some kind of a dualist (you are not strictly a materialist). To be a consistent materialist, you must believe that all is matter and nothing immaterial exists. Most people are dualists, but some are materialists, almost none are idealists. And if you donâ€t know what Iâ€m talking about here, go to the glossary, re-read the pages that the index of your textbook refers you to, and re-read the Cave Allegory article I provided for you.
Epistemology:
5. Define what “epistemology†is and contrast its definition with what the word “metaphysics†means. (1 point) I would give the same advice I gave for metaphysics.
6. Explain what an empiricist epistemology is and contrast it with a rationalist epistemology. Give an example from your book of two philosophers who hold these views and thoroughly define what each view means. (1 point) See the glossary, the index, and the Cave Allegory article.
7. Tell me what you think is the most appropriate epistemology using the terminology youâ€ve learned and compare and contrast your views with at least one of the philosophers weâ€ve studied. (1 point) Just like everyone already has a metaphysical view, everybody already has an epistemology too.
8. Using correct MLA form for at least three citations in your paper. (1 point) I posted everything you need to use MLA form properly in the essay module, but you could also consult any Lone Star Library.
9. And the last point will be for correct grammar, syntax, and spelling. (1 point) I
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The post Describe the nature of Plato’s dualistic metaphysics, including a thorough explanation of Plato’s two-worlds theory (with descriptions of the characteristics of those two worlds), define precisely what an “eternal form†is, and explain Plato’s “doctrine of the hypostatic union†(you need not describe any later religious versions of his idea, but make sure you accurately describe Plato’s doctrine in its broad meaning). (1.5 points) Again, use your glossary and index, but also use the Cave Allegory article. I tried to explain these ideas in detail there. Make sure you understand Plato’s doctrine of the hypostatic union. Plato precedes Christianity by centuries, so if you only give me the Christian theological interpretation of the hypostatic union that you copied from the internet, you’ll get at least one point taken off your paper. appeared first on Apax Researchers.