Investigations into the nature and structure of existence. What sorts of things are there? What are possible worlds? How is change possible?
Metaphysics asks basic questions about existence, time, possibility, infinity and more. We then test answers to these questions as analytically as we can. In this paper we will read classic and contemporary works of philosophy, focusing on four main questions. What is the most general structure of the world? What is our place in the world? Are there many worlds? And why is there a world at all?
| Paper title | Metaphysical Questions |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHIL223 |
| Subject | Philosophy |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2020, expected to be offered in 2021 |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $904.05 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $3,954.75 |
- Prerequisite
- One PHIL paper or 72 points
- Restriction
- PHIL 216, 313, 316, 323
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Eligibility
- This paper is recommended for students who have taken PHIL 101, but there are no prerequisites.
- Contact
- zach.weber@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
- Dr Zach Weber
- Paper Structure
Two lectures per week. Assessment by written essays and final exam.
- Textbooks
Required: Ney, Alyssa. (2014). Metaphysics: An Introduction. Routledge: London.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical
thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Students who successfully complete the paper will acquire
- The ability to present and assess philosophical arguments (both written and verbal) to an acceptable standard, especially in the area of metaphysics
- A broad awareness and grasp of what is at issue in debates in metaphysics
- A demonstrated ability to explain and assess philosophical positions and arguments and to think critically and independently about them
- The ability to develop and analyse philosophical reasoning collaboratively in group discussion
