metaphysics

Metaphysics

Module Code: 403PM Credits: 10 Contact Hours: 30 Level: 4 Lecturer: Seamus Mulholland OFM

Syllabus

Metaphysics is a broad area of philosophy marked out by two types of inquiry. The first aims to be the most general investigation possible into the nature of reality: are there principles applying to everything that is real, to all that is? – if we abstract from the particular nature of existing things that which distinguishes them from each other, what can we know about them merely in virtue of the fact that they exist? The second type of inquiry seeks to uncover what is ultimately real, frequently offering answers in sharp contrast to our everyday experience of the world. Understood in terms of these two questions, metaphysics is very closely related to ontology, which is usually taken to involve both ?what is existence (being)?? and ?what (fundamentally distinct) types of thing exist??

Beginning with the Presocratics, this module will examine the growth and development of Metaphysics through the Western Philosophical Tradition. It will pay special attention to the metaphysics of the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition and conclude with some exploration of contemporary attitudes to metaphysics with special reference to theories of ontology.

Aims

-   to encourage familiarity with current debates about metaphysics
-   to encourage critical reflection on nature of metaphysics
-   to alert students to the implications which metaphysics has for religion
- to enable students to critically assess the nature of metaphysical/ontological phenomena
-   to provide an understanding of the contemporary relevance of the issues of religious theism in relation to metaphysical determinations.

Assessment

This essay will be assessed through a 2, 000 word (+/- 10%) essay

Teaching Methods

This module will be taught through lectures, assigned reading of subject specific texts and private study

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of this module students will be able
-   to understand the development of metaphysics
-   to understand and express the arguments presented by metaphysicians
-   to assess the ability of critical realism to challenge metaphysical presuppositions
-   to have an understanding of what grounds belief in ?God?
-   to critically assess the so-called metaphysical ?proofs? of God?s existence

Subject Specific Skills

-  an understanding of the complexities of metaphysics in history and contemporary society
-  an ability to critically dialogue philosophically about metaphysics and meaning
-  a development of critical and analytical skills especially in philosophical discourse
-  a knowledge of understanding of differentiations between metaphysical positions in contemporary philosophical discourse as well as other related areas such as theology

Transferable Skills

By the end of this module students should be able to
-    form independent opinions about the nature of metaphysics as a branch of philosophy and support those opinions with appropriate evidence.
-   present materials related to metaphysical discourse in a coherent, well structured argument, and make appropriate choices from primary and/or secondary materials.
- contribute confidently to discussions about metaphysics using philosophical arguments and critiques
-   communicate the module content in a balanced manner to others, especially other Franciscans, members of Church groups, family, and non-believers