Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Metaphysics is the study of the fundamental nature of reality. This unit covers a range of topics in metaphysics, which may include but is not limited to: (1) issues surrounding the fine metaphysical structure of reality, focusing on concerns involving ontological dependence and determination; (2) issues in meta-metaphysics and meta-ontology concerning the role and nature of metaphysical investigation in rational enquiry more generally; (3) the relationship between truth and being; (4) the nature of essences and dispositions; (5) the nature of information and its relationship to reality; (6) the nature of metaphysical explanation; (7) specific metaphysical issues such as the nature of colour, time, causation; and (8) free will and personal identity. Students investigate these issues through the work of Fine, Lewis, Putnam, Russell, Schaffer, Sider and Quine (among others).

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Honours option in Philosophy [Bachelor of Arts (Honours)]
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) strengthen generic intellectual skills such as analysing and critically assessing arguments, constructing and expressing their own arguments, and constructing and expressing explanations of phenomena; (2) develop a critical understanding of the core philosophical issues related to metaphysics, including the nature of modality, time, causation, impossibility and the nature of being; (3) develop public speaking and professional presentation skills; (4) develop critical writing skills; and (5) develop core research skills in preparation for research-oriented postgraduate work and/or research-oriented work outside of the University.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) an essay; (2) participation; and (3) test. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the participation component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Miri Albahari
Unit rules
Prerequisites
sufficient units in the relevant major at the specified standard for entry to the honours specialisation
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.