Topics in ontology

Basic Information

Course modules 2023/2024
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, 9:30-12h
Location
Classroom 410, Faculty of Philosophy, Universitat de Barcelona

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 analytic metaphysics.


CE2. Students should 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

The first four sessions will be an introduction to the topics and methodology of the course. In each of the remaining sessions we will focus on some questions related to the following four issues in metaphysics: constitution, overdetermination, arbitrariness and personal identity.


There will be twelve regular 2.5-hour sessions. In general, sessions 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.


Some of the papers/chapters covered in the sessions will be presented by the students (in agreement with the lecturer). Everybody is expected to have read the papers/chapters in detail in advance, and to come to each of the twelve sessions with thoughts, questions, and objections.

Evaluation

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 tobe agreed with the instructor in due time (50%).

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

In agreement with the University of Barcelona Equality Policy, this course will incorporate a gender perspective that will include, among others, the following aspects. Regarding class dynamics, we will try to ensure that everyone feels equally welcomed and encouraged to contribute to class discussions. Regarding the content of the course and the readings that will be the basis for the different sessions of the course, we will use a bibliography that takes appropriately into account the significant contributions made by women to the topics we will discuss. Regarding the grading of the course, we will try to be aware that unconscious gender biases might interfere in the grading process and will try to apply mechanisms to prevent them.