Unit 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