PHIL 261

Metaphysical Structures of the World

Description

Metaphysics is the study of the nature of reality. Unlike the sciences or other areas of philosophy, which study very specific kinds of things, the aim of metaphysics is to understand, more generally, how things are; what the universe is like.

This is an introductory course in metaphysics, which covers topics such as the nature of space, time and existence. We will also explore questions like, Is time travel possible? Do humans have free will? Do abstract objects, like numbers, really exist?

For full course information see the Digital Course Outline.

Digital Course Outlines will be refreshed around November/December.

Availability 2025

Not taught in 2025

Lecturer(s)

TBA

Reading/Texts

Prescribed Reading: Metaphysics: An Introduction, by Alyssa Ney

Assessment

Coursework only

Points

PHIL 261: 15 points

Prerequisites

30 points in Philosophy or 60 points

Restrictions

PHIL 361