The aim of this module is to investigate and understand some essential topics of metaphysics as discussed by modern analytical philosophers.

Metaphysics is one of the three central and pervasive themes of philosophy (the others being epistemology and ethics)— knowledge of which is required for a comprehensive understanding of any philosophical topic.

In Metaphysics we study the most fundamental questions that can be asked about reality. What is the nature of reality? Is it material or mental or both? Are the most fundamental entities particular objects or are there also properties? Or perhaps the fundamental entities are just facts, and objects and properties are similarities among facts. Are there only concrete objects, such as cabbages and kings and quarks and photons, or are there abstract objects as well, objects such as numbers? What is it that determines the identity of entities? For example, when we have a statue made of wax do we have just one object present or are there two, the lump of wax and the statue.  Arguments can be given both ways. What is it that determines identity across time and through change? Suppose all the timber of a ship is replaced over 25 years and we collect all the pieces replaced and build another ship with them. Which is the original ship? And what about the identity of persons? Are you the same person you were 10 years ago, and if you are, what is it that makes you the same you despite all the changes you have undergone? Things could have been different from how they actually are—this text could have been in blue, but what about reality makes that the case? Are there other worlds where those possibilities are actual, but then, why should some blue text in another world explain why this text could have been blue? Concrete reality has a history: things change over time and apparently they change because one thing causes another. When one billiard ball strikes another and the second moves off it appears as if the first made the second move, but what is that making. We see the motions but look as closely as we will, we do not see the making, so perhaps there is no such thing as causing apart from our expectation of regularity. Yet the entirety of science is built on the assumption of causal laws: if causation doesn’t exist explanation and prediction make no sense and confirmation of laws by empirical investigation is an illusion. In this course we will study all these problems as discussed by modern analytical philosophers.

Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the doctrines and arguments of current analytical philosophers on the metaphysical topics of: the fundamental categories of being; identity, change and persistence through time; the nature of causation; modality and possible worlds.

The module will be delivered through one lecture per week, plus seminars as appropriate. Seminars will take the form of discussion sessions led by a member of staff or discussion sessions where students work independently in small groups.

This module will be taught using printed books and also using journal articles which are available online (e.g. via Learning Central) or from the library. Timetabled sessions will be supplemented with written material in the form of a detailed summary of the session content and a list of further reading. This supplementary material will be provided on Learning Central and/or will be projected during the sessions using PowerPoint or OHP acetates. Any supplementary material in a permanent form (e.g. a paper handout or downloadable document) will be made available on Learning Central at least 24 hours before the session.

Still images or diagrams will be used in this module as an occasional supplement to illustrate points which are also presented verbally (e.g. in text or by means of a caption).

Sound, video and other multi-media resources are not used in this module.

Students will practise and develop the following skills:

• the ability to describe several main theories
• the ability to critically assess the main strengths and weaknesses of these theories 
• the ability to extract material relevant to a particular problem from a body of literature
• the ability to evaluate chains of complex reasoning
• the ability to classify philosophical arguments as valid or invalid, convincing or unconvincing
• the ability to work independently

Transferable / Employability Skills:

It is worth bearing in mind that, even though the point of the module is to do philosophy, many of the skills you’ll be developing are also highly valued by graduate employers. These include:

Critical Thinking: e.g. the ability to quickly understand, structure and critically evaluate the key points and arguments made in written texts and discussions––achieved through e.g. reading, small group activities in seminars, plenary discussions in seminars, reflecting on lecture materials, essay writing.

Communication: the ability to formulate and articulate your critical thinking, both orally and on paper, in ways that your peers can grasp and engage with––achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, seminars discussions, essay writing.

Organisation: the ability to organise and coordinate workloads––achieved through balancing e.g. reading, seminar preparation, essay writing.

Working with others: e.g. co-constructing ideas, responding sensitively to others––achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, group presentations.

The formative assessment for this module will consist of two essays each of 1,500 words (maximum)

The summative assessment for this module will consist of one 3-hour unseen written examination.

This module is assessed according to the Marking Criteria set out in the Philosophy Course Guide.

There are academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities. To ensure fairness in proving core academic and competence standards all students for whom this module contributes to their degree must sit the exam.

Doctrines and arguments of current analytical philosophers on the metaphysical topics of

•   the fundamental categories of being
•   identity, change and persistence through time
•   modality and possible worlds
•   the nature of causation
•   realism and anti-realism

Please see Background Reading List for an indicative list.

These books, in some parts, are indicative of the subject matter. You are advised not to purchase books until seeing the reading list.

Crane, T. & Farkas, K. 2004. Metaphysics : A Guide and Anthology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Gale, R. M. 2002. The Blackwell Guide to Metaphysics. Oxford: Blackwell.

Kim and Sosa Blackwell’s Companion to Metaphysics. Oxford: Blackwell.