Universität Wien

180141 PS Ontology and Metaphysics (2016S)

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 45 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 09.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 16.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 06.04. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 13.04. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 20.04. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 27.04. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 04.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 11.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 18.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 25.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 01.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 08.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 15.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 22.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 29.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Course topic: In this course, we will cover some of the main topics debated in contemporary metaphysics. We will first introduce ontology, the branch of metaphysics that deals with the notion of and the criteria for existence. We will then move on to identity, and to questions such as "When do two things count as identical?" as well as classic puzzles such as that of the ship of Theseus. In the last part of the course, we will address the issue of identity through time, presenting the various problems created by the notions of persistence and change through time, as well as the answers discussed in contemporary literature (e.g. three-dimensionalism and four-dimensionalism).

Course aim: The student will become familiar with classic problems and riddles concerning existence, identity and persistence, but from a contemporary perspective. The course aims at encouraging a critical approach to the readings assigned. Students will be encouraged to exercise their critical-thinking skills, by finding objections or proposing their own solutions to certain problems.

Assessment and permitted materials

Assessment: The course will be structured as a seminar, with selected readings to be read before the class. Assessment will take into account (i) participation in classes; (ii) a presentation of one of the assigned readings; (iii) a final 2500-word essay.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Examination topics

Reading list

Texts (provisional)
Selected readings from: Kim J., Korman D. Z., Sosa E. (2011) Metaphysics: An Anthology, 2nd Edition, Wiley-Blackwell.
Ney, A. (2014) Metaphysics: An Introduction 1st Edition, Routledge.

Association in the course directory

BA M 5.1
PP § 57.3.2

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:36