Metaphysics: Topics in theoretical philosophy

About this programme

Within metaphysics we ask questions about the nature of reality; these questions are among the oldest and most difficult to grapple with in philosophy. In this course, they are discussed thematically and in light of the assumptions and methods of contemporary philosophy. See Course Structure for more information! Well in advance of the start of the course, an email will be sent to all admitted students with information and instructions. Students admitted to FIMEF0 are expected to register themselves (online registration). More about the course content: In this course, we will explore some of the most central topics in metaphysics that fall within the scope of theoretical philosophy. We begin by focusing on ontology, that is, the general philosophical question of what kinds of things exist. We then move on to discuss the distinction between material and abstract objects and their ontological status. We will address a number of paradoxes concerning existence and persistence over time and space, what it means for something to be possible, impossible, or necessary, and finally the nature of causal relations. Learning platform: Reading instructions, a detailed course schedule, and other materials will be posted on the course’s Athena page. Admitted students who have activated their student account and have been registered for the course will automatically be added as participants on the course’s Athena page. Expected learning outcomes and information about the grading scale: See the course syllabus.