This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)
Module PHIL3171: METAPHYSICS
Department: Philosophy
PHIL3171: METAPHYSICS
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 3 | 20 | Available in 2010/2011 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- At least one Level 2 module in Philosophy OR in the History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine, OR other appropriate evidence.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
- None.
Aims
- To provide a grounding in modern metaphysics, conceived as a study of the most fundamental structure of reality, and a grasp of those key concepts required for a representation of the world not only as it is but as it must be.
Content
- Topics to be covered during the module will include: rival conceptions of the nature of substance, the distinction between universals and particulars, events and facts, problems of identity and individuation, the nature of necessity and the notion of "possible worlds", the distinction between essential and accidental properties, problems of space and time.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- Have knowledge and understanding of key metaphysical theories.
Subject-specific Skills
- Be able to identify, explain and address philosophical questions arising in metaphysics.
Key Skills
- Be able to use relevant literature to examine and assess arguments for and against such theories.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Structured teaching within seminars delivers basic module-specific information and provides a framework for further study. Seminars provide the opportunity for students to debate different opinions about theories and questions under investigation.
- Guided reading provides a structure within which students can exercise and extend their abilities to make use of available learning resources.
- The formative essays provide the opportunity for students to test and extend their knowledge and understanding of module content, and to develop their ability to present and defend relevant arguments and theories using available learning resources, uninhibited by the need for summative assessment.
- The unseen 3 hour examination tests knowledge and understanding of the course material, and the ability to identify and explain judgments regarding the merits and weaknesses of metaphysical theories.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seminars | 22 | weekly | 90 mins | 33 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 167 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 100% | Three-hour unseen examination | 100% |
Formative Assessment
Two formative essays (of 2000 words maximum), one due at the end of Michaelmas Term and one due at the end of Epiphany Term.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.