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PHIL3171: METAPHYSICS

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Type Open
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Philosophy

Prerequisites

  • At least one 'Year 2' module in Philosophy.

Corequisites

  • At least one other 'Year 3' module in Philosophy.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide a grounding in modern metaphysics, conceived as a study of the most fundamental structure of reality, and a grasp of those key concepts required for a representation of the world not only as it is but as it must be.

Content

  • The main topics to be covered will be selected from a list including the following: being and non-being, Humean metaphysics, the plurality of worlds, causal power, rival conceptions of the nature of substance, the distinction between universals and particulars, the distinction between essential and accidental properties, problems of identity, persistence and change, problems of space and time.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Have knowledge and understanding of key metaphysical theories.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Be able to identify, explain and address philosophical questions arising in metaphysics.

Key Skills:

  • Be able to use relevant literature to examine and assess arguments for and against such theories.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures deliver basic module-specific information and provide a framework for further study
  • Discussion groups provide opportunities for students to test their own understanding of the material studied, and defend and debate different opinions
  • Guided reading provides a structure within which students can exercise and extend their abilities to make use of available learning resources.
  • The summative essays tests knowledge and understanding of the course material, and the ability to identify and explain issues covered in the module, and, using relevant research material, to present different approaches to those issues, and make reasoned judgement on the merits and demerits of such approaches.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures22weekly1 hour22 
Discussion groups8Fortnightly1 hour8Yes
Preparation and Reading170 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: EssaysComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Essay 1 - 3,000 words 50
Essay 2 - 3,000 words 50 

Formative Assessment

None

More information

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