2009 Course Handbook
PHIL358: Metaphysics
This course examines some traditional questions in metaphysics, focusing on questions about the fundamental nature of reality. The first half of the course is structured around a discussion of time travel. It addresses questions such as: What is the nature of time? Does time flow or is it static? What is causation? Is time travel possible? The second half of the course is devoted to a critical examination of the metaphysical theory of materialism, which states that everything is ultimately physical in nature. We will examine this theory's explanations of colour, consciousness, and free will. The course concludes with a discussion of whether there is, indeed, a single, ultimate reality, or whether a pluralistic view makes more sense.
| Credit Points: | 4 |
| Contact Hours: | 3 |
| When Offered: | D2 - Day; Offered in the second half-year |
| Staff Contact: | Professor Peter Menzies |
| Prerequisites: | 40cp or admission to GDipPhil |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCWs: | |
| Unit Designations: | Science |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: |
Department of Philosophy |
Timetable Information
For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website.