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PHL201Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Metaphysics

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of metaphysics. It explores the nature of reality, existence, and being, examining ontological issues and the relationship between metaphysics and science. Topics include general and special metaphysics, substance, matter and form, universals and particulars, and appearance versus reality. The course aims to equip students with the ability to critically analyze metaphysical arguments and understand their implications.

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52h
Study Time
13
Weeks
4h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
MetaphysicsOntologyRealityBeingSubstance

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Nature of Metaphysics

2

Ontological Issues

3

Special Metaphysics

4

Metaphysics and Science

5

The Problem of Being

6

Substance

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Philosopher

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Theologian

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Policy Analyst

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Researcher

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationResearchGovernmentConsulting

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: The Nature of Metaphysics

4h

Unit 1: The Meaning of Metaphysics

4 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Defining metaphysics, misconceptions, etymological meaning, philosophical definitions.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 1: Differentiate metaphysics from occultism.
  • •Reflect on the nature of reality.
Week
2

Module 1: The Nature of Metaphysics

4h

Unit 2: The Divisions of Metaphysics

4 study hours
  • •Study Unit 2: General vs. special metaphysics, ontology, natural theology, cosmology, rational psychology.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 2: Differentiate general from special metaphysics.
  • •Consider the scope of metaphysical inquiry.
Week
3

Module 1: The Nature of Metaphysics

4h

Unit 3: Methods of Metaphysics

4 study hours
  • •Explore Unit 3: Aporetic, a priori, a posteriori methods, analogy of being.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 3: Compare a priori and a posteriori methods.
  • •Apply metaphysical methods to philosophical problems.
Week
4

Module 1: The Nature of Metaphysics

4h

Unit 4: Metaphysics and Other Branches of Philosophy

4 study hours
  • •Examine Unit 4: Relationships between metaphysics, axiology, epistemology, and logic.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 4: Explain the relationship between metaphysics and ethics.
  • •Analyze the role of metaphysics in philosophical inquiry.
Week
5

Module 1: The Nature of Metaphysics

4h

Unit 5: The Value of Metaphysics

4 study hours
  • •Review Unit 5: Arguments against and importance of metaphysics.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 5: Discuss Nietzsche's critique of metaphysics.
  • •Evaluate the value of metaphysical inquiry.
Week
6

Module 2: Ontological Issues in Metaphysics

4h

Unit 1: The Problem of Being

4 study hours
  • •Study Unit 1: Problematizing the question of being, Parmenides' permanent one, Aristotle, Heidegger, Quine.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 1: Discuss the characteristics of Being in Parmenides.
  • •Reflect on the nature of existence.
Week
7

Module 2: Ontological Issues in Metaphysics

4h

Unit 2: Substance

4 study hours
  • •Examine Unit 2: The nature, Aristotle's ideas, divisions, characteristics, and attacks on the idea of substance.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 2: Explain that a substance is that which is never said of a subject nor in a subject.
  • •Analyze the concept of substance.
Week
8

Module 2: Ontological Issues in Metaphysics

4h

Unit 3: Hylomorphism (Matter and Form)

4 study hours
  • •Explore Unit 3: Etymological meaning, Aristotle, scholastic, Descartes, Le Bosu, non-hylomorphic ideas.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 3: Describe the three senses of matter in Aristotle.
  • •Consider the composition of the world.
Week
9

Module 2: Ontological Issues in Metaphysics

4h

Unit 4: Universals and Particulars

4 study hours
  • •Study Unit 4: Problematizing the question, ancient origin, making sense of particulars and universals, disagreements, Locke.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 4: Compare and contrast Aristotle's and Plato's notion of universals.
  • •Reflect on the relationship between universals and particulars.
Week
10

Module 2: Ontological Issues in Metaphysics

4h

Unit 5: Appearance and Reality

4 study hours
  • •Review Unit 5: History of the problem of appearance and reality.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 5: Discuss the problem of appearance and reality.
  • •Analyze the nature of reality.
Week
11

Module 3: Issues in Special Metaphysics

6h

Units in Module 3 and Module 4

6 study hours
  • •Study Module 3 and Module 4 units.
  • •Review key concepts and prepare for assignments.
Week
12

Module 4: Metaphysics and Science

6h

Final Revision

6 study hours
  • •Complete assignments and review all course materials.
  • •Prepare for final examinations.
Week
13

Module 4: Metaphysics and Science

6h

Final Revision

6 study hours
  • •Final revision and preparation for examinations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking Module 1's units on metaphysical methods

2

Focus on Aristotle's concepts of substance and essence from Module 2

3

Practice applying a priori reasoning to ethical dilemmas from Module 3

4

Review the different interpretations of causality in Module 4

5

Prioritize understanding key definitions and distinctions rather than memorizing names

6

Form study groups to discuss complex arguments and challenge each other's understanding

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