Topics in ontology

Basic Information

Course 2020/2021
Lecturer
Marta Campdelacreu Arqués
Semester
1st.
Department
Department of Philosophy
University
Universitat de Barcelona
Module
Module 7. Issues in Contemporary Theoretical and Practical Philosophy
Code
570641
Credits
5
Language
English

Dates

Schedule
Fridays, 11:00 - 13:30
Location
UB, Facultat de Filosofia, room 411

Description

1. Introduction
2. Constitution
3. Overdetermination
4. Arbitrariness
5. Personal Identity

Methodology

In the first session we will provide an introduction to the topics and methodology of the course. In each of the other 11 sessions we will focus on some questions related to the following 4 issues in metaphysics: constitution, overdetermination, arbitrariness and personal identity.

Intended Learning Outcomes:
CB9 - Students should be able to communicate their knowledge and their arguments to specialized audiences in a clear and articulate way.

CG1 – Students should be able to formulate and critically assess arguments in metaphysics.

CG2. Students should be able to design, create, develop and undertake new and innovative projects in their area of expertise.

CG3. Students should be able to engage both in general and specific discussions in metaphysics. They should be able to conduct a philosophical discussion (orally and in written form), by putting forward, for example, general arguments or specific examples, in support of one’s position.

CG4. Students should be able to work both independently and in a team, in an international environment.

CG5. Students should be able to identify methodological errors, rhetorical, conventional and uncritical assumptions, vagueness and superficiality.

CE1. Students should be able to critically engage with the concepts and methods of analtyic metaphysics.

CE2. Students shoulld be able to identify the core arguments and theories of metaphysics concerning theoretical issues.

CE4. Students should be able to assess the writings of leading contemporary philosophers in metaphysics.

CE5. Students should be able to identify and critically engage with the current state of debates in metaphysics.

CE7. Students should be able to critically use specialized terminology in metaphysics.

 

Learning objectives
Referring to knowledge
To gain knowledge in analytic metaphysics concerning recent literature on constitution, overdetermination, arbitrariness and personal identity.

Referring to abilities, skills
To gain research skills in analytic metaphysics concerning recent literature on constitution, overdetermination, arbitrariness and personal identity.

Referring to attitudes, values and norms
To gain attitudes, values and norms appropriate for research in analytic metaphysics concerning recent literature on constitution, overdetermination, arbitrariness and personal identity.

Evaluation

There will be twelve regular 2,5-hour sessions. Each session will be divided into two parts. The first part will be dedicated to the presentation of the material scheduled for that session, while the second part will be dedicated to its philosophical discussion.

All students taking the course for credit will have to present part of the material at least once (whether it is compulsory to present more times will depend on the number of students).

Everybody is expected to have read the papers in detail in advance, and to come to each of the twelve sessions with thoughts, questions, and objections. We will make our best efforts to comply with the guidelines for respectful, constructive, and inclusive philosophical discussion: consc.net/norms.html

Evaluation will be based on the contribution to discussions (20%), the quality of the presentation (30%), and on a short (<3000 words) essay on a topic related to the seminar to be agreed with the instructor in due time (50%). (Guidelines on evaluation and marking, including a note on originality and plagiarism, are available at http://www.ub.edu/aphil/en/guidelines-on-evaluation-and-marking-8.)

Bibliography

Blatti, S. Snowdon, P. (eds.) (2016): Animalism: New Essays on Persons, Animals, and Identity. OUP
Korman, D. (2015): Objects: Nothing out of the Ordinary. OUP
Koslicki, K. (2008): The Structure of Objects. OUP
Sider, T. Hawthorne, J. Zimmerman, D. (eds.) (2008): Contemporary Debates in Metaphysics. Blackwell
 

Other considerations

NB: This course will be taught in-person by default. Depending on the covid-19 sanitary crisis, and on the advice of health authorities, the course could switch to online teaching, with the same schedule and evaluation methods. Students will be informed of any changes.

-If the situation requires it, the course will be adapted for virtual teaching and learning. The students will be informed in due course.

-If the situation requires it: (1) the sessions will take place through BBCollaborate. (2) The method of evaluation will be the same as in the ordinary situation, though special attention will be given to any special circumstances that students might have to face because of the global medical crisis.