Metaphysics (V7086)

15 credits, Level 5

Spring teaching

Metaphysics is the study of the fundamental nature of reality.

The module will provide you with a survey of foundational topics in metaphysics.

Topics include:

• ontology (categories of being)
• the persistence and identity of material objects
• the nature of properties
• substances
• events and absences
• accounts of causation
• time
• personal identity
• free will.

An emphasis will be placed on critical examination of arguments for and against competing metaphysical views. You'll have the opportunity to examine and develop your own positions on these issues.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.