NAME:- UNACHUKWU IFEOMA MATRIC.

NO:- 170107119

INTRODUCTION

Traditional metaphysical thinking is the traditional methodology that holds that reality can be explained from
a restricted point of view. In other words, it is a kind of belief system that limits the multiplication of reality.
Parmenides belongs to this school of thought as he holds that BEING is one and every other thing is in BEING.
Traditional metaphysical thinking is as a result of the confusion found in the concept of “being”. This confusion is
between the two senses of Ontology and it occurs because both “Metaphysica generalis” and ”Metaphysica
specialis” tend to explain being in the same way. This should not be the case as they individually have different
purposes as one is supposed to discuss “what it means for what is to be” while other is to discuss “what is”. This
confusion between these two classes led to a superficial and ungrounded misunderstanding of the true meaning of
Being which further led to even more serious problems. This paper will further identify these problems and
attempt to provide a resolution to this impasse with the theory of Phenomenology.

PROBLEMS OF TRADITIONAL METAPHYSICAL THINKING

The origin of the problems impacted by the traditional idea of ontology stems from particular aspects of
reality known as beings being presented as though they were the entirety of reality. This caused metaphysics to be
a dogmatic discipline with each philosopher holding his views on what being is. This dogmatism led to other
problems which are as follows;

I)Objectification of reality, where beings (particular aspects of reality) were reduced to objects thus making them
predictable. Accordingly, anyone who sees beings in a different light is seen as erroneous. E.g Leibnitz theory of
Monads.
ii)Rigidity of beings:- The objectification of reality makes beings rigid and creates a world of inflexible things and
this gives room for fanaticism and traditional metaphysical thinking.
Iii)Attitude of and contest and conquest:- Any idea that doesn’t conform to the rigid idea is erroneous and
therefore, suppressed or destroyed. The world of rigidity creates room for conquer and conquest in the society.

RESOLUTION

Phenomenology is a metaphysical concept that can be used in the resolution of this impasse. Edmund
Husserl’s theory of phenomenology is in contrast with the tenets of traditional metaphysical thinking which holds
that reality is one and can only be viewed from one point of view. Phenomenology on the other hand, holds that
reality should be viewed from a neutral point of view and pre-conceived ideas of reality should be disposed. It is of
the view that reality is multi-faceted and not limited as reality can be expressed in various ways. Phenomenology
creates an atmosphere of tolerance of other points of view and this is achieved through dialogue. It is attributed to
peaceful co-existence, as it gives room to communication, interaction and existing with others .