PHIL 361

Metaphysical Structures of the World

Please note: this is archived course information from 2023 for PHIL 361.

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?

Assessment

Coursework only

For full course information see the Digital Course Outline for PHIL 361.

Digital Course Outlines are refreshed in November for the following year. Digital Course Outlines for courses to be offered for the first time may be published slightly later.

Availability 2023

Not offered in 2023; planned for 2024

Lecturer(s)

TBA

Reading/Texts

Prescribed Reading: Metaphysics: An Introduction, by Alyssa Ney

Assessment

Coursework + exam

Points

PHIL 361: 15 points

Prerequisites

30 points at Stage II in Philosophy or 30 points from PHIL 260, SCIGEN 201

Restrictions

PHIL 261