Module PHL2016 for 2018/9
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
PHL2016: Metaphysics
This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.
Module Aims
The aim of this module is to introduce you to the place of metaphysics in the history of philosophy, to the challenges associated with the practice of metaphysics in contemporary thinking and with the principal problems that are presently addressed under the heading of metaphysics. You will become well versed in the nature of these problems and how one goes about addressing them from ‘analytic’, ‘naturalistic’ and ‘critical’ points of view.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
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Module-Specific Skills | 1. articulate an understanding of the meaning of metapyhysics, the place of metaphysics in philosophy, various philosophical challenges to the status of metaphysics, and a familiarity with some range of particular topics in metaphysics and the reasons why they have merited philosophical attention; 2. analyze the metaphysical presuppositions of truth claims; |
Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. expose and explore the metaphysical presuppositions at play in other areas of philosophy; 4. begin to consolidate philosophical concepts from other modules and begin to convey a sense of the unity of philosophy as a discipline; |
Personal and Key Skills | 5. begin to identify the substantive presuppositions of worldly truth claims beyond philosophy; and 6. write coherently and cogently about the conceptual context of real-world beliefs. |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
After an initial introductory overview the module will proceed to consider the following basic philosophical topics: Causation, Identity, Emergence, Supervenience, Personal Identity, Time, Material and abstract Objects, Properties.
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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22 | 128 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 16.5 | Eleven 90 minute lecture/discussions. |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 10 | Weekly 1 hour tutorial |
Guided Independent Study | 33 | Assigned readings associated with each lecture |
Guided Independent Study | 10 | Preparation for class discussion |
Guided Independent Study | 35 | Preparation of Assigned Essay |
Guided Independent Study | 50 | Exam Revision and Private Study |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
Lectures and Powerpoints will be available on ELE