22 Introduction

Exploring Metaphysics

Module Introduction

Topics

  • Mind/Body
  • Consciousness; Identity
  • The role of evil; God

What is really real?

Who are we?

Are we really real?

Metaphysics, as we’d previously studied, asks the question, “What is really real?” It also serves to distinguish appearance from reality. In this module, we will be reading myriad sources about what constitutes the nature of reality from a cross-cultural perspective, as we search for understanding of the vast depth of perspectives of what seems to appear, at first to be such a trivial question.

Lastly, we will examine what constitutes the nature of the human person as a metaphysical entity.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking
  2. Demonstrate understanding of Global Social Responsibility
  3. Recognize the relationships between cultural expressions and their contexts
  4. Understand cultural expressions
  5. Interpret and evaluate cultural artifacts and/or their contexts for significance
  6. Recognize concepts in metaphysics, axiology, and epistemology and the context of their development
  7. Comprehend the scope of philosophic inquiry and how beliefs are formed and justified especially within a particular cultural construct
  8. Understand the principles of freedom, determinism and moral responsibility in human interaction

Module Objectives

Upon completion of this module the student will be able to:

  • Define ontology and describe its related classifications in the history of ideas
  • Contrast Materialism from Idealism; Define and compare Monism, Dualism, and Pluralism
  • State the difference between a human person and a human being
  • Define Atman
  • Distinguish the ego theory of the self from the bundle theory
  • Explain the mind/body problem (1)

Readings and Resources

Supplemental Materials

(Note: These materials are considered supplemental and thus are not used for assessment purposes)

Assignments & Learning Activities

  • Review Introduction
  • Review Readings and Resources
  • Review Learning Unit
  • Participate in Module 5 Discussion
  • Work on Assignment: Thematic Synthesis Essay
  • Take Quiz 2

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Philosophy in the Humanities Copyright © by Lumen Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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