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PHL413Arts2 Unitsintermediate

METAPHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

This course introduces students to metaphysical concepts in anthropological studies. It examines concepts such as body, soul, self-transcendence, personal identity, and personhood and their relationship to the study of man. It seeks to examine the questions of metaphysics in an effort to understand individuals as creatures of their environment. This study discusses the meaning of concepts such as metaphysics, anthropology, and ontology and also, examines the various conception of the human soul from different cultural perspectives.

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150h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
MetaphysicsAnthropologySoulIdentityPersonhood

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

Metaphysics

2

Anthropology

3

Ontology

4

Theories of Soul

5

Identity

6

Self-Transcendence

7

Individualism

8

Communalism

9

Personhood

Total Topics9 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 (4 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Presentations

Team-based learning and peer interaction

Group Work

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Philosopher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Anthropologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sociologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cultural Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AcademiaResearch InstitutionsCultural OrganizationsGovernmentNon-Profits

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Clarification of Concepts

9h

Unit 1: Metaphysics

5 study hours
  • •Define metaphysics, understand its nature and scope.
  • •Explore theories of metaphysics and metaphysical problems.
  • •Analyze logical positivism's critique of metaphysics.

Unit 2: Anthropology

4 study hours
  • •Define anthropology and its various branches.
  • •Understand the focus of physical/biological anthropology.
  • •Identify specific fields of study in anthropology.
Week
2

Module 1: Clarification of Concepts

9h

Unit 3: Ontology

5 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of ontology and its types.
  • •Identify major ontologists in the history of philosophy.
  • •Examine unique characteristics of African ontology.

Unit 4: Mortality and Immortality

4 study hours
  • •Understand mortality and immortality.
  • •Understand the concept of mortality and immortality in the Yoruba culture.
  • •Identify arguments for and against immortality.
Week
3

Module 2: Theories of Soul

6h

Unit 1: On the Concept of Soul

6 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of the soul.
  • •Understand the etymology and origin of the soul.
  • •Analyze philosophical and religious perspectives on the concept of the soul.
Week
4

Module 2: Theories of Soul

6h

Unit 2: Soul in pre-Socratic philosophy

6 study hours
  • •Understand the nature of the soul in Pythagoras' philosophy.
  • •Understand the nature of the soul in Empedocles' philosophy.
  • •Understand the nature of the soul in Anaxagoras' philosophy.
Week
5

Module 2: Theories of Soul

6h

Unit 3: Soul in Plato's Philosophy

6 study hours
  • •Understand Plato's theory of forms.
  • •Understand Plato's tripartite theory of the soul.
  • •Analyze the relationship between the soul and the world of forms.
Week
6

Module 2: Theories of Soul

6h

Unit 4: Aristotle on soul

6 study hours
  • •Understand the three dimensions of the soul in Aristotle's philosophy.
  • •Understand the soul-body relationship in Aristotle's philosophy.
  • •Compare Aristotle's view with Plato's.
Week
7

Module 2: Theories of Soul

6h

Unit 5: African Notions of Soul (Yoruba and Akan)

6 study hours
  • •Understand the constituents of a person in Yoruba traditional thought.
  • •Understand the meaning and significance of Okan, Ori and Emi in Yoruba traditional thought.
  • •Understand the meaning and significance of Okra in Akan traditional thought.
Week
8

Module 2: Theories of Soul

6h

Unit 6: Soul in Ancient Chinese Thought

6 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of soul in ancient Chinese thought.
  • •Understand the difference between hun and p'o.
  • •Understand the significance of hun and p'o in ancient Chinese thought.
Week
9

Module 2: Theories of Soul

6h

Unit 7: Soul in Hindu Philosophy

6 study hours
  • •Understand the nature of the soul in Hindu philosophy.
  • •Understand the meaning of reincarnation in Hindu philosophy.
  • •Explore the concepts of atman and karma.
Week
10

Module 3: The Question of Identity

5h

Unit 1: Identity: Meaning, types and sources

5 study hours
  • •Know the meaning of identity beyond its popular day-to-day usage.
  • •Recognize the main types of identity.
  • •Recognize the main sources of identity.
Week
11

Module 3: The Question of Identity

5h

Unit 2: Identity and permanence

5 study hours
  • •Understand permanence in relation to identity.
  • •Articulate the individual concepts of identity and permanence.
  • •Analyze philosophical perspectives on permanence.
Week
12

Module 3: The Question of Identity

5h

Unit 3: Identity and continuity

5 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning of continuity.
  • •Place identity within the context of continuity.
  • •Realize the moral implication of continuity.
Week
13

Module 3: The Question of Identity

5h

Unit 4: Identity and Self-Transcendence

5 study hours
  • •Learn the meaning of self-transcendence.
  • •Understand the moral implication of self-transcendence.
  • •Explore psychological, philosophical, and spiritual approaches to self-transcendence.

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 a timeline of key philosophers and their theories of the soul (Units 2-7)

2

Develop concept maps linking identity, permanence, continuity, and self-transcendence (Module 3)

3

Practice defining and differentiating between individualism and communalism (Module 4)

4

Focus on understanding the cultural context of African notions of the soul (Module 2, Unit 5)

5

Review the arguments for and against the existence of the soul (Module 1, Unit 4 and Module 2)

6

Prepare concise summaries of each unit's main points for quick reference

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