Overview
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 focus on questions such as: 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?
About this paper
| Paper title | Metaphysical Questions |
|---|---|
| Subject | Philosophy |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $981.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One PHIL paper or 72 points
- Restriction
- PHIL 216, PHIL 313, PHIL 316 and PHIL 323
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Eligibility
This paper is recommended for students who have taken PHIL101 Mind and Reality.
- Contact
- More information link
More information at the Philosophy programme's website.
- Teaching staff
Associate Professor Heather Dyke and Associate Professor Zach Weber
- Textbooks
Required:
Ney, Alyssa. (2023, 2nd edition). 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
Timetable
Overview
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 focus on questions such as: 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?
About this paper
| Paper title | Metaphysical Questions |
|---|---|
| Subject | Philosophy |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2025 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One PHIL paper or 72 points
- Restriction
- PHIL 216, PHIL 313, PHIL 316 and PHIL 323
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Eligibility
This paper is recommended for students who have taken PHIL101 Mind and Reality.
- Contact
- More information link
More information at the Philosophy programme's website.
- Teaching staff
Associate Professor Heather Dyke and Associate Professor Zach Weber
- Textbooks
Required:
Ney, Alyssa. (2023, 2nd edition). 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