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PHI-30021 - Module Specification
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 25 April 2024

PHI-30021 - Metaphysics
Coordinator: James Tartaglia Room: CBB 2.014 Tel: +44 1782 7 34315
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Completion of core modules at level 2 in Philosophy or with the permission of the module convenor

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

Metaphysics is the attempt to describe the fundamental nature of reality; for example, idealist metaphysics holds that reality is fundamentally related to the human mind, while physicalist metaphysics holds that reality is fully described by physical science. This module will survey and assess some of the great systems of metaphysics, from the ancient greeks to the present day.

Aims
To provide the student with an overview of core metaphysical problems. Metaphysics is the study of reality at the most fundamental level. The course considers problems concerning numerical identity, space and time, causality, necessity and possibility, universals and particulars. We will also consider questions about how, if at all, it is possible to engage in genuine metaphysical enquiry.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/phi-30021/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

articulate clearly and fully some of the central problems in metaphysics: 1
develop a plausible, justified and intellectually independent response to the central problems in metaphysics: 1
analyse and evaluate contemporary and historical answers to central problems in metaphysics: 1

Study hours

15 hours lectures
5 hours small group seminars
100 hours essay preparation
30 hours independent reading

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 100%
Essay (max. 3000 words) selected from a list of ten questions
One essay, chosen from a list, written on a topic covered in the lecture series.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 25 April 2024