ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the terms, concepts, and theories of the metaphysical study. It presents the basic terminology and concepts, depicting the broad ontological scheme that Abu'l-Barakat implement, and the conceptual stratification, which matches the epistemology to the ontological scheme. The relationship of many of the basic theories to this conception is then outlined according to this broad encompassing scheme. The chapter also presents Abu'l-Barakat's own introduction to metaphysics, which concerns the introduction and prolegomena that he proposes for the study of metaphysics. Abu'l-Barakat considers certain fundamental topics at the beginning of metaphysics as had Avicenna. His presentation deviates from the Avicennian reconstruction of metaphysics, and shows how he received and altered this reconstruction. The basic notion conceived in the Metaphysics is that of the mawjud, the existent. This is related to the notion of existence, the wujud. Abu'l-Barakat criticizes the uniform ontological elements of the Platonic scheme, and conceives in retrospect these Platonic elements in contrast with his own philosophy.
