Assignment: Thematic Synthesis Essay Use the above link to access the assignment for this module. This assingment aligns with Learning Outcomes 1, 4 and 5. The Thematic Synthesis Essay will be based on two of the philosophical works that students have read so far in the course. The essay should identify and discuss how two philosophers develop a theme presented in the assigned topic ( The Ship of Theseus ), through use of the philosophical ideas and arguments presented in Modules 3, 4 or 5. Directions Review Metaphysics: Ship of Theseus  from Wikipedia. Read, research and think about the Ship of Theseus thought exercise. Talk about it with your friends. Hash out all the possible philosophical themes that are addressed or raised. Then, identify possible Philosophical works that we have read this semester that have addressed a theme present in the ship of Theseus thought exercise. Some examples might be: identity, self, objects through time; immortality of soul; criteria for knowledge; nature of reality; bundle theory; or others. Next, create a comparison chart to explore how each author develops his/her arguments in support of their respective positions regarding the theme in response to the ship of Theseus. For example, if you choose Plato and Parmenides and the theme is what is really real , then you might: Outline argument of Plato on nature of reality Outline argument of Parmenides on nature of reality According to these authors, analyze and apply these respective approaches to the question: Which is the true ship, and why? Distinguish whether they differ in their interpretations on this issue enough to be significant to discuss in this paper. Decide whether you agree or not and offer your response. As previously mentioned, students can use the chart as a tool; the information then can be used in the essay. (1) Format Introduction: In the first paragraph , identify the titles and authors of the selected philosophy essays and define all philosophical terms you will be using. Also, the opening paragraph must provide a broad, but accurate, synopsis of the Ship of Theseus thought experiment, the two essays, and a clearly defined thesis statement. Body Paragraphs: When comparing and/or contrasting two pieces, students should strive for an organization that helps the reader establish relationships among the information. Two common methods for comparing and/or contrasting items in an essay are block format and point by point. Block format allows students to discuss one piece completely before discussing the other piece. The following sample outline provides a general overview of the way in which one could organize the essay with the block method. Introduction Body paragraphs Argument: Piece A (block 1) Evidence element 1 Evidence element 2 Evidence element 3 Argument: Piece B (block 2) Evidence element 1 Evidence element 2 Evidence element 3 Conclusion The point-by-point method ...

1. Assignment: Thematic Synthesis Essay
Use the above link to access the assignment for this module.
This assingment aligns with Learning Outcomes 1, 4 and 5.
The Thematic Synthesis Essay
will be based on two of the philosophical works that students
have read so far in the course.
The essay should
identify and discuss how two philosophers develop a theme
presented in the
assigned topic
(
The Ship of Theseus
),
through use of the philosophical ideas and arguments presented
in Modules 3, 4 or 5.
Directions
Review
Metaphysics: Ship of Theseus
from Wikipedia.
Read, research and think about the
Ship of Theseus
thought exercise. Talk about it with your friends. Hash out all
the possible philosophical themes that are addressed or raised.
Then,
identify possible Philosophical works that we have read this
semester that have addressed a theme present in the ship of

2. Theseus thought exercise.
Some examples might be: identity, self, objects through time;
immortality of soul; criteria for knowledge; nature of reality;
bundle theory; or others.
Next,
create a comparison chart
to explore how each author develops his/her arguments in
support of their respective positions regarding the theme in
response to the ship of Theseus.
For example, if you choose Plato and Parmenides and the theme
is
what is really real
, then you might:
Outline argument of Plato on nature of reality
Outline argument of Parmenides on nature of reality
According to these authors, analyze and apply these respective
approaches to the question: Which is the true ship, and why?
Distinguish whether they differ in their interpretations on this
issue enough to be significant to discuss in this paper.
Decide
whether you agree or not
and offer your response. As previously mentioned, students can
use the chart as a tool; the information then can be used in the
essay. (1)

3. Format
Introduction:
In the
first paragraph
, identify the titles and authors of the selected philosophy
essays and define all philosophical terms you will be using.
Also, the opening paragraph
must provide a broad, but accurate, synopsis
of the Ship of Theseus thought experiment, the two essays, and
a clearly defined thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs:
When comparing and/or contrasting two pieces, students should
strive for an organization that helps the reader establish
relationships among the information. Two common methods for
comparing and/or contrasting items in an essay are block format
and point by point.
Block format allows students to discuss one piece completely
before discussing the other piece. The following sample outline
provides a general overview of the way in which one could
organize the essay with the block method.
Introduction
Body paragraphs
Argument:
Piece A
(block 1)
Evidence element 1

4. Evidence element 2
Evidence element 3
Argument:
Piece B
(block 2)
Evidence element 1
Evidence element 2
Evidence element 3
Conclusion
The point-by-point method allows the student to move back and
forth between two or three arguments being compared and/or
contrasted, as in the following sample outline.
Introduction
Body paragraphs
Argument element

5. 1 (point 1)
piece A
piece B
Argument element
2 (point 2)
piece A
piece B
Argument element 3
(point 3)
piece A
piece B
Conclusion
The key to using these organizational methods is to be
consistent in the ideas presented. For example, with the block

6. format, make sure to discuss Argument elements 1, 2, and 3 for
Philosophy piece A and then Argument elements 1, 2, and 3 for
Philosophy piece B. In point-by-point format, discuss Argument
element 1 for both pieces A and B before moving on to element
2. Another important consideration with both organizational
methods is to use transitional words and phrases to help the
reader understand connections among the ideas.
Choose the organizational method that supports the essay's
purpose. To give a reader a complete, overall picture of each
piece, use the block format. However, to present a number of
distinct points from both pieces for the reader to consider
individually, use point by point. Regardless of the paper's
organization, present a balanced, objective analysis of both
pieces.
Conclusion:
The closing paragraph should refer back to the original
question posed regarding the Ship of Theseus and the chosen
theme for your paper with a concluding phrase addressing your
results.
For the writer, the conclusion is the final opportunity to make a
lasting impression in the reader's mind. Keep in mind that a
strong conclusion resonates with the reader. Be certain that you
present your own response to this question and conclude with a
strong summative remark addressing the fact that you have
addressed and proven your thesis. (1)
Format Requirements
Write 500–600 words, five-paragraph minimum

7. Follow standard MLA style format requirements (1)
Submission
Submit the assignment here as a Word document with the file
name LastName_FirstName_Essay2. To submit, choose the
Assignment: Critical Analysis Essay link above and use the file
attachment feature to browse for and upload your completed
document. Remember to choose Submit to complete the
submission.
Grading
This assignment is worth 200 points toward your final grade and
will be graded using the
Essay Rubric
. Please use it as a guide toward successful completion of this
assignment.
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking
Demonstrate understanding of Global Social Responsibility
Recognize the relationships between cultural expressions and
their contexts
Understand cultural expressions
Interpret and evaluate cultural artifacts and/or their contexts for

8. significance
Recognize concepts in metaphysics, axiology, and epistemology
and the context of their development
Comprehend the scope of philosophic inquiry and how beliefs
are formed and justified especially within a particular cultural
construct
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

9. Plato,
Republic
Section 506c — 520a from Perseus Digital Library, Tufts
University
Metaphysics: Ship of Theseus
from Wikipedia.
Supplemental Materials
(Note: These materials are considered supplemental and thus are
not used for assessment purposes.)
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
website
Leonardo DiCaprio & The Nature of Reality: Crash Course
Philosophy # 4
by CrashCourse
"Man, as Project,”
by Ortega y Gasset and translated by Samuel P. Moody
Philosophy — Metaphysics: Ship of Theseus [HD]
by Wireless Philosophy
A Romp Through the Philosophy of Mind — Session One:
Identity Theory and Why It Won’t Work
by Marianne Talbot
Aquinas and the Cosmological Arguments: Crash Course

10. Philosophy #10
by CrashCourse
Personal Identity: Crash Course Philosophy #19
by CrashCourse
Arguments Against Personal Identity: Crash Course Philosophy
#20
by CrashCourse
Personhood: Crash Course Philosophy # 21
by CrashCourse
Where Does Your Mind Reside?: Crash Course Philosophy #22
by CrashCourse
Artificial Intelligence & Personhood: Crash Couse Philosophy
#23
by CrashCourse
Lecture Content
Click the icon to access lecture content.
Learning Unit 5