Topics in Metaphysics
PHIL 390
Spring 2009 not offered
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Topics of focus include the notions of possibility and necessity and their role in contemporary analytic metaphysics, possibly including one or more of the following areas: logic, mathematics, time, and causation. Our approach will be historical; we will consider the origins of the metaphysics of necessity in the attempts, in early analytic philosophy, to attain a conception of logic adequate to overthrow 19th-century idealism and psychologism. Here in particular we will discuss Bertrand Russell's logic and C. I. Lewis's critique of it. We will see how, subsequent to Lewis, the technical development of the logic of modality eventually became, through Rudolf Carnap's project of reconstructing scientific rationality, an instrument for the revival of Leibniz's traditional metaphysics of possible worlds. If time permits, we will discuss how this metaphysics functions in contemporary analytic philosophy. |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA PHIL |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: [PHIL201 or PHIL359 or CCIV217] OR PHIL202 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
Major Readings:
Classic and contemporary sources.
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Examinations and Assignments:
One seminar paper, and possibly also other assignments. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This is an advanced seminar in philosophy, and so students will need to have a general background in the history of philosophy, such as acquired from Phil 201 or 202, and some knowledge of logic, such as acquired from Phil 231, Phil 290, or Math 243, and probably also one course in philosophy beyond the introductory level. In addition, this course is designed to be taken after a class in modal or intensional logic, such as Phil 291, offered in fall 2006, but may be taken without that course. I will advise students interested in the course but lacking the background in logic described above on readings to prepare for the class. |
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