Learning Objectives
5 objectives- Define metaphysics and trace its historical development and significance.
- Explain key metaphysical concepts including ontology, substance, attributes, and identity.
- Compare major metaphysical positions such as metaphysical realism and anti-realism.
- Analyze complex metaphysical issues related to time, space, causality, and the mind-body problem.
- Critically evaluate the distinction between universals and particulars, and reality versus appearance.
Content Outline
PreviewUnit 2536: Foundations of Metaphysics
1. Introduction to Metaphysics
- Definition of metaphysics
- Historical development of metaphysics
- Ancient origins (Pre-Socratics, Aristotle)
- Medieval contributions
- Modern and contemporary perspectives
- Fundamental metaphysical questions about the nature of reality
2. Ontology: The Study of Being and Existence
- Definition and scope of ontology
- Concepts of being and existence
- Categories of entities
- Abstract vs. concrete
- Particulars vs. universals
- Ontological frameworks and debates
3. Substance and Attributes
- Definition of substance as the underlying essence
- Attributes as properties or qualities of substances
- Theories of substance
- Aristotelian substance
- Cartesian substance
- Bundle theory
- Relationship between substance and attributes
4. Metaphysical Realism vs. Anti-Realism
- Definition of metaphysical realism
- Objective reality and its existence independent of perception
- Definition of anti-realism
- Denial or skepticism about objective reality
- Key arguments supporting each position
- Implications for metaphysical inquiry
5. Time and Space
- Metaphysical perspectives on time
- Linear vs. cyclic time
- Presentism, eternalism, and the growing block theory
- Nature of space
- Absolute vs. relational theories
- Relationship between time, space, and objects
- Continuity and discreteness in time and space
6. Identity and Change
- Defining identity and sameness over time
- The problem of change and persistence
- Theories of persistence
- Endurantism
- Perdurantism
- Personal identity and its metaphysical challenges
7. Causality and Determinism
- Understanding causality in metaphysics
- Determinism vs. indeterminism
- Free will and its metaphysical implications
- Causal chains and explanations
- Compatibilism and incompatibilism debates
8. Mind-Body Problem
- Overview of the mind-body relationship
- Dualism
- Substance dualism
- Property dualism
- Materialism
- Reductive and non-reductive materialism
- Idealism
- Contemporary approaches and challenges
9. Universals and Particulars
- Definition of universals and particulars
- The problem of universals
- Theories about universals
- Realism about universals
- Nominalism
- Conceptualism
- Implications for metaphysical ontology
10. Reality and Appearance
- Distinction between reality and appearance
- The role of perception in metaphysics
- Illusion and error
- Theories of truth related to metaphysics
- Philosophical implications for understanding reality
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