PHI 360 - Metaphysics

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that concerns itself with the fundamental nature of the world. Questions that metaphysics attempts to answer include: What do we mean when we say something exists? Do any things other than physical objects (numbers, qualities, God, etc.) exist? Why is there anything rather than nothing? What are human beings: material organisms, immaterial souls, or something else? What makes you the same person as you were ten years ago? Are we really free to choose our actions, or are our actions (even thoughts) predetermined by something else in the world? What is the nature of time and space? Is time travel possible?

In this course, we will focus on some of those questions and evaluate arguments for different answers that are proposed by philosophers from different philosophical traditions. This will not only give us a deep understanding of those metaphysical disputes but also help us approach other branches of philosophy.

General Education Requirements: Western Cultural Tradition

Prerequisites: One Philosophy course or Permission

Course Typically Offered: Alternating years

Credits: 3