phi3mfq metaphysics fund questions
METAPHYSICS: FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS
PHI3MFQ
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Metaphysics is the study of fundamental questions about the constitution of the world, ourselves, and our relation to the world. In this subject we will explore such questions as the nature of modality, that is, the notions of possibility and necessity. We will also examine the ideas of space and time, their relation to each other and to material reality, and whether time travel might be possible. This will then lead to the problem of the nature of material reality and problems concerning particularity and universality. From here we will turn to the problem of the relation of the mental to the material, the nature of consciousness, and the problem of personal identity. The subject will end with a consideration of the problem of whether we have free will or whether our choices are merely pre-determined events in an endless causal chain.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorRicky Sebold
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Any first year philosophy subject, or permission from subject coordinator.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects PHI2MFQ
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | NA | Prescribed | NA | NA |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Identify the underlying issues in a complex problem or controversial debate, analyse their structure and employ appropriate reasoning strategies designed to resolve the problem.
- Activities:
- Essays, on-line and/or individual, class and study group learning activities.
02. Identify, formulate, analyse and judge the success of standard form and text-based arguments, using appropriate methods of analysis and critical reasoning.
- Activities:
- Essays, on-line and/or individual, class and study group learning activities.
03. Locate, review, analyse and synthesise unfamiliar ideas and lines of argument with an open mind and willingness to question and revise assumptions and change one's own views when appropriate.
- Activities:
- Essays, on-line and/or individual, class and study group learning activities.
04. Write a carefully constructed essay in support of a philosophical claim.
- Activities:
- Essay writing, modelling, feedback on essay.
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAndrew Brennan
Class requirements
Lecture/SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture/seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Collaborative Based LearningWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours collaborative based learning every three weeks on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay, 2000 words | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Essay, 2000 words | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |