Aims

By the end of this course, the student should be able to address in a critical manner, i.e., one that is personal, informed, and well-argued, the central metaphysical questions concerning existence, being, the absolute, etc., while also showing the legitimacy and pertinence these questions have for the world and people of today. To this end, the student should be up to mastering the conceptual and historical reference points necessary to weigh the metaphysical stakes inherent to all philosophical questions. In a similar vein, the student should also be able to put these reference points to work in a coherent and well thought-out manner when fulfilling the various tasks that will be asked of him/her during the course.

Main themes

The aim of the course is to introduce the student to: metaphysical reasoning, its history and key moments, its self-conception, its methods, the questions it poses and the problems it raises.

Content and teaching methods

Content:
To define metaphysics. To distinguish metaphysics from theology. Belief and knowledge. Kinds of rationality employed in metaphysical reasoning (metaphysics and science). The central topics of metaphysical thinking: metaphysics as the science of being, of God, of thinking, and of mind. The place of metaphysics in contemporary thought and culture. The pertinence of metaphysics today in the context of a disenchanted world. The possibility of metaphysics.

Methods:
The course will entail:
1) Lectures meant to provide the students with the instruments necessary to metaphysical reflection.
2) Tutorials related to the lectures and the reading and analysis of metaphysical texts.
The writing of an essay (about 10 pages) on a question of metaphysics.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Pre-requisites: Introductory philosophy course.

Assessment: The exam bears on the lectures (60% of the grade); on the participation in tutorials (20% of the grade); and on the essay (20% of the grade).

Supporting material: Class notes, reading package, bibliography.

Course Holder/Course supervision: An EFT assistant (leading the tutorial and the library work, writing assistance).

Other credits in programs