Topics in Metaphysics
PHIL 390
Spring 2010
| Section:
01
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This year our topics are anti-metaphysics and meta-metaphysics; that is to say, some varieties of criticisms of metaphysics, and accounts of the nature of metaphysics. We'll begin with a brief look at Hume's and Kant's critiques of rationalist metaphysics. Next, we turn to an influential set of views of the nature and rejection of metaphysics in the analytic tradition: the early logical positivism of Rudolf Carnap and A. J. Ayer. We turn next to Michael Dummett's interpretation of metaphysical disputes in linguistic terms and his critique of a linguistic conception of realism. We then come back to the later work Carnap, and his debate with W. V. Quine over analyticity and modality. Finally, we'll discuss a spectrum of replies to anti-metaphysical views 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: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (PHIL)(PHIL-Philosophy)(PHIL-Social Jus) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
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. |
| Instructor(s): Shieh,Sanford Times: ..T.... 07:00PM-09:50PM; Location: RUSLSEM; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: 5 | JR major: 4 | | |
| Seats Available: 8 | GRAD: 0 | SR non-major: 3 | JR non-major: 3 | SO: 0 | FR: 0 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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