This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)
Module PHIL3171: METAPHYSICS
Department: Philosophy
PHIL3171: METAPHYSICS
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 3 | 20 | Available in 2016/2017 | 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 summative essays tests knowledge and understanding of the course material, and the ability to identify and explain issues covered in the module, and, using relevant research material, to present different approaches to those issues, and make reasoned judgement on the merits and demerits of such approaches.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 22 | weekly | 1 hour | 22 | |
| Tutorials | 10 | Fortnightly | 1 hour | 10 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 168 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essays | 100% | Essay 1 - 3,000 words | 50% | ||
| Essay 2 - 3,000 words | 50% |
Formative Assessment
None
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.