Metaphysics - PHI00074I

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Module summary

This module is an advanced introduction to contemporary analytic metaphysics in which we examine several topics in detail. These topics might include: the possibility of metaphysics, ordinary objects (composition, constitution, and identity), properties, abstract entities, modality (possible and impossible worlds), amongst others.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 2 2025-26

Module aims

—To develop students’ knowledge and understanding of a representative range of key puzzles, problems, issues, and debates in metaphysics;

—To develop students’ abilities to think critically and reflectively about difficult conceptual questions;

—To introduce students to a range of the methods and strategies deployed in contemporary metaphysical debates and develop their abilities to use these;

—To develop students’ abilities to improve their own work, e.g. by making good use of feedback.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

—understand and explain a range of key problems, issues, and debates in the metaphysics and express this understanding in clear, precise, and accessible terms;

—develop and articulate ranges of alternative solutions to problems and issues in metaphysics in an open-minded way, drawing on module materials;

—develop and articulate arguments for the alternative solutions considered in relation to problems and issues in metaphysics, drawing on module materials, identifying some points of weakness and some potential points for development;

—make a judgement about what is the best view on a particular problem in metaphysics and argue in defence of this judgement;

—identify some of their strengths and weaknesses by evaluating their own work in relation to departmental marking criteria;

—apply simple strategies for improving their work, based on critical reflection, advice, and feedback.

Module content

In this module, we address some of the following questions: What is Metaphysics? Is it possible? Do composite objects exist? If so, when does composition occur? Do numbers, sets, and propositions (etc.) exist? Do other possible worlds exist? What is the nature of time? Is it real? Do temporary objects persist? If so, how?

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100.0

Module feedback

All formative and summative feedback will be returned within current University and Departmental guidelines.

Indicative reading

Ney, Alyssa (2023) Metaphysics: An Introduction, 2nd edition, Routledge