Unit I
Metaphysics: Possibility, Scope and Concerns, Appearance and Reality, Being, Becoming, Essence and Existence.
| Course Name | Aspects of Western Metaphysics |
| Course Code | 21PHL512 |
| Program | M.A. in Philosophy |
| Semester | Two |
| Credits | 4 |
Metaphysics: Possibility, Scope and Concerns, Appearance and Reality, Being, Becoming, Essence and Existence.
Substance: Aristotle’s Account, Substance and Properties, Kinds and Activity. The Debate between Rationalism and Empiricism, Process View of Reality.
Causation: Causation and Regularity, Causation and Conditionals, Relata of Causation.
Space: Nature and Dimensions, Theories, Absolute and Relational, Appearance or Reality.
Time: Nature and Direction, Passage of Time, Theories, Absolute and Relational, Appearance or Reality.
Relation between Space and Time.
Universals and Particulars: Distinctions, Varieties, Abstract Entities, Nominalism, Resemblance, Classes.
Realism: Classical and Contemporary.
Mind and Body: Dualism and Materialism, Contemporary Debates.
Self-Knowledge and Self-Identity: Memory Criterion, Body Criterion, The Primitiveness of the Concept of the Person.
“Aspects of Western Metaphysics” is a course offered to S1 MA Philosophy students. It aims to provide an insight to the Western Philosophical schools of Metaphysics. The course provides a general understanding on the concept of Reality with its historical developments. This course intends (including students who’s Under Grad is in other discipline) to provide a clear understanding on the Metaphysical teachings and its relevance in Western Philosophical traditions.
1. To introduce the various metaphysical terms
2. To analyse the concept of Substance from the point of view of various philosophers
3. To understand the dimensions of space and time
4. The metaphysical problems of mind and body
CO1: Understand the general features of Western Metaphysics
CO2: To get a historical understanding on Western Metaphysics
CO3: To analyse the scope and concerns of Metaphysics in Western Philosophy
CO4: To develop a culture of critical and analytical thinking
None
1, F. H. Bradley. Appearance and Reality. London: Scholar’s Choice, 2015. English.
2, Richard Taylor. Metaphysics. London: Prentice Hall, 1992. English.
3, Sosa & Tooley (Eds.). Causation. London: Oxford University Press, 1993. English.
4, Richard Swinburne. Space and Time. New York: Macmillan and Co Ltd., 1968. English.
5, D. M. Armstrong. Universals: An Opinionated Introduction. Boulder: West View Press, 1989. English.
6, Blackwell. Companion to Contemporary Philosophy of Mind. USA: Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 2007. English.
7, David Hales (Ed.). Metaphysics: Contemporary Readings. Michigan: Wadsworth Publishing Company Ltd., 1999. English.
8, D. C. Dennett. Consciousness Explained. UK: Penguin Books, 1991. English.
9, A. C. Greling (Ed.). Philosophy: A Guide Through the Subject. London: Oxford University Press, 1998. English.
10, P. M. Churchland. Matter and Consciousness. New York: Rockefeller University Press, 1985. English.
| PO
CO |
PO1 | PO2 | PO3 | PO4 | PO5 |
| CO1 | – | 3 | 1 | 3 | – |
| CO2 | – | 3 | 3 | 3 | – |
| CO3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| CO4 | – | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
3- Strong, 2- Moderate, 1- Weak
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