Topics in Ontology

Basic Information

Course 2022/2023
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
Faculty of Philosophy, UB, room 412

Description

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

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.

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.

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.

Methodology

Seminars will be divided into two parts. The first part will have the format of a lecture about the topic of the day. The second part will have the format of a research seminar structured around presentations by students and general discussion, led by the instructor.

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

  • 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 Zoom.
    • (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.

 

En aplicació del Pla d’igualtat de la Universitat de Barcelona, el contingut de l’assignatura (blocs temàtics, o temes, o problemes; bibliografia; treballs) incorpora en la mesura del possible qüestions sobre gènere (problemes, pensadores, bibliografia)