PHIL 340 Contemporary Metaphysics (Not offered 2008-2009) (W)
In this course, we will examine a number of issues in contemporary metaphysics. Possible topics include: realism and anti-realism, the problem of universals, the nature of necessity, causation, material constitution, the nature of time, personal identity, and freedom of the will. While we will be concerned to place our discussions of these issues in historical context, almost all of the reading for the class will consist in articles written by contemporary philosophers working in what is sometimes called the "analytic" tradition.
Format: lecture and discussion. Evaluation: two long papers (at least one of which will be re-written), short response papers, and active participation in class.
Prerequisites: Philosophy 102 (familiarity with formal logic helpful but not required). Enrollment limit: 15 (expected: 10).
MCPARTLAND