Metaphysics: The Nature of Reality | PHIL2032

Module overview

Metaphysics is the study of what kinds of things there and what they are like in the most general terms. We have both a common sense picture of the world and a scientific picture of the world, and sometimes these two appear to conflict. Part of the job of metaphysics is to try to adjudicate what, if anything, in our picture of the world needs to be given up. Central questions in metaphysics include:

Objects: Are there nonexistent objects? Can there be distinct identical objects? Can there be distinct objects in exactly the same place at the same time?

Time: How do objects persist through time and change? Do future and past objects exist? Does time flow and at what rate?

Persons: What constitutes our personal identity? Are we animals, souls, or something else? Does identity matter for persons to survive through time and change?

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

arguments for and against those answers
the bearing of issues in metaphysics on issues in other areas of philosophy and on issues in other subjects.
some central questions in metaphysics and influential answers to them.

Cognitive Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

identify and weigh the theoretical virtues which different metaphysical theories possess, such as simplicity, explanatory power, appeal to common-sense.
analyse metaphysical views and explore their implications.
develop and critically evaluate arguments for and against positions in metaphysics

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

find ways of reconciling views which appear to be in competition.
articulate and evaluate views and arguments systematically and critically.
present your theories and those of others in a clear and even-handed fashion in writing.
work effectively to deadlines.

Syllabus

Topics covered vary from year to year. Examples of possible topics are:

Existent and nonexistent objects
Identity and individuation
Constitution and colocation
Persistence through time
Reality of time
Personal identity
Survival of persons

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

Lectures
In-class discussion
One-on-one consultation with module co-ordinator

Learning activities include

Attending lectures
Contributing to class discussion
Doing independent research for and writing assessed essays and exams

Study time
Type	Hours
Follow-up work	24
Revision	23
Completion of assessment task	22
Preparation for scheduled sessions	24
Wider reading or practice	24
Lecture	33
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

S Mumford (2012). Metaphysics: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Alyssa Ney (2014). Metaphysics: An Introduction. Routledge.

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Essay proposal

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Exam	50%
Essay	50%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External