![]() ![]() For example, we will reflect on theories of substance, essence, natural kinds, universals and particulars, properties, and relations as elements of a theory of the nature of reality. In this course, we will study and evaluate some important positions within the realist metaphysical tradition. Similar points can be made about the relation of metaphysical reasoning to theology, to the sciences, and to the social sciences. In addition to the intrinsic interest of metaphysical issues, some argue, metaphysical understanding is a prerequisite for reasoned appraisal of competing moral theories: one cannot engage in productive reflection on how people ought to be treated without an understanding of what people are. For present purposes, let us call philosophers who believe that philosophical inquiry can generate justified positive belief in the area of ontology or metaphysics “realists.” Some realists argue that our choice isn’t whether to adopt metaphysical positions, but whether to adopt them reflectively on a basis of rigorous reflection or to hold them unreflectively as a matter of dogmatism or intellectual fashion. While many philosophers in recent years have been highly pessimistic about the prospects for developing a positive, rationally justified set of beliefs concerning the fundamental nature of reality, there are still philosophers who regard such a project not only as possible, but also as a central element of any serious philosophical system. PHIL 311: Issues in Metaphysics: Metaphysics & the Realist Tradition Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002.Typical issues include transcendence, being, existence in its individual and communal dimensions, causality, relations, analogy, purpose, the possibility of metaphysics, and the relations of metaphysics to other disciplines. ![]() Michael Loux and Thomas Crisp, Metaphysics.Michael Loux (ed.), Metaphysics: Contemporary Readings.Develop your own proposal LiteratureRequired literature 500 words learning objectives 2, 4) the final grade will be scaled down ½ a point Format of the final 1.500 word paper:ģ. For every not submitted smaller assignment (plm.Final paper (50%) (learning objectives 3-4). ![]() Written examination (50%) (learning objectives 1-2).René van Woudenberg & Jeroen de Ridder, "Desgn Hypotheses Behave Like Skeptical Hypotheses (or: Why We Cannot Know that Design Hypotheses are False)" (International Journal for the Study of Skepticism 2017 available on Canvas) Teaching MethodsClasses twice per week Method of AssessmentThe final grade is calculated as follows:.Plantinga, "Actualism and Possible Worlds" (Loux, chapter 11) Advised reading WEEK 6: Why is there anything at all? Topics: metaphysical necessity design Required reading.Lewis, "Possible Worlds" (Loux, chapter 10).WEEK 5: Existence Topics: what is it to exist? Are there things that don’t exist? Is existence a property? Required reading René van Woudenberg, "On Freedom’s Mystery", Philosophica 2020.Van Inwagen, chapter 12 Advised reading.Swinburne, "Personal Identity: The Dualist Theory" (Loux, chapter 29) WEEK 4: The metaphysics of the human person (2) Topics: free will determinism Required reading.Parfit, "Personal Identity" (Loux, chapter 27) Advised Reading.Taylor, "Time and Eternity" (Loux, chapter 21) WEEK 3: The metaphysics of the human person (1) Topics: dualism physicalism identity through time Required reading.René van Woudenberg, "True Qualifiers for Qualified Truths", Review of Metaphysics.René van Woudenberg & Kelvin McQueen, "Tests for Intrinsicness Tested", Philosophical Studies 2016 available on Canvas) WEEK 2: The most general features of the world (2) Topics: the problem of the external world objective and subjective truth time arguments for the unreality of time.Russell, "The World of Universals" (Loux, chapter 1).Van Inwagen, chapters 1-3 Advised readings.what is "existence" (What sorts of things exist?) WEEK 1: The most general features of the world (1) Topics: substances universals intrinsic and relational properties metaphysical monism Idealism. the distinction between intrinsic and relational properties What is a substance or individual thing? ![]() teach the student how to write a paper Course ContentThe topics that shall be discussed in the course are: familiarize the student with a number of classic papers of the contemporary metaphysical literatureĤ. introduce the student into a number of contemporary discussions about these theses and problems, mainly in the broadly ‘analytical’ style.ģ. introduce the student into a number of metaphysical terms, theses, and problemsĢ. URL study guide Course ObjectiveThe aims of the course are to:ġ. ![]()
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