Metaphysics · Philosophy
Abstract concepts such as being, knowing, causation, identity, time, and space.
We were introduced to the important topics in metaphysics. We primarily read writers from the 20th century analytic philosophy tradition.
I wish I could tell you. Part of the course tried to impart how advances in our understanding of science, particularly in physics, creates interesting philosophical quandaries. The rest of the class, though, jumped around too much to be coherent.
A broad survey of topics in metaphysics, including the problem of universals, composition, persistence, causation, modality, basic ontology, etc. We learned the major theories and arguments for each of these topics.
I learned that most M&E people are insufferable. Seriously, who likes Strawson but you?
I learned a lot in this course about what there is in the universe and how to view our world from a metaphysical standpoint.
Complex problems across an array of metaphysical questions such as the existence of primitive individuals, problems arising from quantum mechanics and special relativity, problems of infinity, problems of free will, the mind-body problem, questions of logic and metalogic, philosophy of mathematics, and problems of reference.
We learned the basic of the fundamental Metaphysical questions. In addition, we learned to write concisely and used basic logic.
Different ways to analyze reality: What exists? What's the relationship between universals and particulars? What are universals and particulars? What is time? What is modality? What is causation? Also: I learned that Achille Varzi is a time traveller.
Underdetermination, logic, aboutness, reference, deflationism, quantum mechanics, individuals, personal identity, determinism, math, modality, mind-body problem, indeterminacy of translation