Module overview
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- develop and critically evaluate arguments for and against positions in metaphysics
- 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.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the bearing of issues in metaphysics on issues in other areas of philosophy and on issues in other subjects.
- arguments for and against those answers
- some central questions in metaphysics and influential answers to them.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- work effectively to deadlines.
- articulate and evaluate views and arguments systematically and critically.
- find ways of reconciling views which appear to be in competition.
- present your theories and those of others in a clear and even-handed fashion in writing.
Syllabus
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lecture | 33 |
Completion of assessment task | 22 |
Wider reading or practice | 24 |
Follow-up work | 24 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 24 |
Revision | 23 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
An Introduction to Metaphysics, by John W. Carroll (Cambridge University Press, 2010).
Textbooks
Alyssa Ney (2014). Metaphysics: An Introduction. Routledge.
S Mumford (2012). Metaphysics: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Essay proposal
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Students will receive written feedback. Students have the opportunity to receive further feedback from the module co-ordinator on any aspect of their performance during office hours or by appointment.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
- Percentage contribution: 100%
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 50% |
Exam | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Timed Assignment | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Exam | 50% |
Essay | 50% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External