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Jan 15, 2025
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HU 436 - Metaphysics3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
Metaphysics is the philosophical study of basic problems of existence. It considers such issues as why there is something rather than nothing, what kinds of things exist, and how they are related. Metaphysical thought attempts to clarify the use of concepts of existence, identity, property, external world, universal and particular, mind and body and causality, among others. The course emphasizes topics of particular importance to an understanding of what we are and what we do. Topics to be considered include time, the mind/body problem, personal identity and freedom, and determinism. Both historical and contemporary sources will be used.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
• Produce arguments for and against the reality of time
• Identify the main theories of the relationship between mind and body
• Describe several leading theories of personal identity
• Distinguish between metaphysical and scientific questions
Prerequisites by Topic
• No prerequisites by topic appended.
Course Topics
• Introduction (1 class)
• Time (5 classes)
• Identity (2 classes)
• Personal identity (5 classes)
• Mind-body problem (3 classes)
• Minds and computers (3 classes)
• Freedom and determinism (6 classes)
• Metaphysics and science (2 classes)
• Review and exams (3 classes)
Coordinator
Jon Borowicz
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