IbnTufayl's cosmology in  Hayy Ibn Yaqzan

Essay Prompt:  After reading the excerpt from Hayy Ibn Yaqzan, a novel written by Ibn Tufayl in the 12^th century (1100s) and the single page of biographical details about Tufayl, consider how Hayy (the person about whom the text is written in) explains the world.  Write a 750 word essay on Hayy's cosmology.  How does Hayy understand the world; what methods of inquiry does he use?  How does Hayy reach what he believes is truth?  Do his scientific methods change depending on the subjects he explores and studies?  What does he mean by Cause? In what ways is the interconnectedness of his cosmology important, and what difference does such an holistic view make?

Da Rules:

1. Please address these questions in a well-organized, thesis-driven essay of approximately 750 words (+ or - 10%). 

2. You are not expected to research this, but rather to read the excerpt closely and provide an interpretation that squares with what you've learned from class lectures and the McClellan and Dorn textbook.  If you do use any sources (including quotes or ideas from the textbook), please cite them properly in a recognized citation system (e.g, MLA or Chicago style