Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PHI2120

 
TITLE Metaphysics 1: Ontology

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Philosophy

 
DESCRIPTION The study-unity primarily serves as an introduction to Aristotle's Metaphysics by focusing on the main problems of Part One (Books Alpha to Epsilon). In addition, throughout the study-unit students are familiarised with the history of metaphysics and the diverse questions posed by various philosophers ranging from empiricists and rationalists, such as Hume and Kant, to thinkers who espoused an anti-metaphysical viewpoint as portrayed by the logical positivists and Heidegger. The study-unit seeks to elucidate how issues regarding causality, the nature of existence and the meaning of substance were tackled and explained by different methodologies and approaches.

Study-unit Aims:

The study-unit aims to introduce students to the basic concepts underlying metaphysical discourse.

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

(i) demonstrate a historical understanding of the nature of metaphysics and of the denials of its possibility;
(ii) explore ancient and modern questions about the meaning of existence;
(iii) critically evaluate the basic categories of Aristotle’s world-pictures;
(iv) confront the 'classical' concepts with those of 'modern' (Descartes to Hegel) and 'contemporary' philosophy and science.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

(i) Identify and reflect upon key concepts and debates in metaphysics;
(ii) read analytically and critically a selection of texts in metaphysics
(iii) engage in meaningful discussions on the main themes covered in the study-unit;

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings

Aristotle, Metaphysics.
Burrell, D. (1973) Analogy and Philosophical Language, Yale University Press.
Harré, R. (1975) and Madden E.H, Causal Powers, Blackwell.
Von Wright, G.H (1974) Causality and Determinism, Columbia University Press.
Dummett, M., Frege.
Lazerowitz, M. and Ambrose, A. (1985) Necessity and Language, Croom Helm, London.
Lucas, J.R. (1989) The Future. Blackwell: Oxford.
Polkinghorne, J.(1993) Science and Creation, SPCK, London. (Important Chapters 1 – 4).
Brown, M. (1991) The Romance of Reason, St. Bede’s Publications, Petersham, Massachusetts, USA. (Important Chapters: 1, 2).

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Examination (2 Hours) SEM1 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Mark Sultana

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit