Metaphysics

Subject 161-247 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty-two contact hours per semester: two 1-hour lectures per week for the first 11 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning the third week of semester
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: At least one first-year philosophy subject, or permission from the Head of School or the subject coordinator.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Allen Hanzen
Subject Overview:

This subject introduces students to contemporary metaphysics, or more precisely to that branch of the subject known as ontology: traditionally described as 'the study of being'. We shall study the subject principally by examining the work of contemporary philosophers in the analytical tradition, such as the Americans WVO Quine and David Lewis. Typical of the topics discussed are the range of existing things: in what sense, if any, do minds, persons, numbers, fictional entities, and merely possible things exist, side by side with familiar material objects? We shall look at the role of identity criteria and of the possession of causal powers in deciding such issues. A further question concerns the existence of general things ('universals', such as redness) over and above the particular things in which they are instanced. On completing this subject, students should have a critical knowledge of the main issues in contemporary analytical metaphysics, and be in a position to go on to more advanced work in the area.

Assessment: A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), tutorial participation 3%, and a 2-hour written examination (not open-book) 47% (at the end of the semester).
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • acquire the ability to comprehend and evaluate complex argumentative text;

  • have learnt to appreciate the importance of subtle differences of detail in theoretical dispute, and their ramifications;

  • have learnt to think in highly abstract and theoretical terms.
Notes:

Previously available as The Structure of Reality. Students who have completed The Structure of Reality are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)

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