Introduction to Metaphysics (259-0-20)

Instructors

Morgan Thompson

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

Metaphysics concerns the structure of reality. It asks questions like: Do entities like electrons and minds exist in the same way as a tree or a water bottle? What distinguishes kinds like H2O and lions from categories like ‘animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo'? Are race and gender real and in what way? How should we understand claims about possibilities, such as ‘If kangaroos did not have tails, they would fall over'? Can absences be causes? And how do social structures (that is, social practices, social roles, institutions) cause social outcomes?

In this course, we will cover philosophical views on ontology (what exists), fundamental levels of reality, natural and social kinds, the nature of race and gender, possibility and necessity, and causation. There will be particular emphasis on scientific and social aspects of reality.

Learning Objectives

• Clarity in thought and language, especially through writing of complex and abstract subject matters.
• Ability to assess arguments for validity and to employ basic logical notation.
• be able to recognize and understand prescriptive issues, questions and claims, and to distinguish them from descriptive issues, questions, and claims involved in discussing natural and social kinds, including species, gender, and race;
• Capacity to articulate your own position in debates about levels of reality, realism about scientific kinds, natural and social kinds, the nature of gender and race, possibility and necessity, and causation.
• Provide reasons for one's own view, anticipate objections, and respond to them.
• Nuanced and charitable interpretation of texts and views.
• Open-minded and respectful engagement during class discussion and activities, especially in response to peers' views.

Class Materials (Required)

Class materials must be purchased.

Ney, Alyssa. Metaphysics: An Introduction. Second Edition. Routledge. 2023. ISBN: 9780815350491 https://www.routledge.com/Metaphysics-An-Introduction/Ney/p/book/9780815350491

Class Attributes

Empirical and Deductive Reasoning Foundational Dis

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for Philosophy students.