161-436 Issues in Analytic Metaphysics

Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in philosophy.

This subject examines analytical metaphysics, that is, metaphysics as practised by philosophers of the analytic school in the 20th century, making use of concepts and results of modern (symbolic or mathematical) logic. Students will be introduced to one or more topics in this area, such as (the modern version of) the (traditional) problem of universals, which translates the traditional problem into one of the interpretation and legitimation of formalised languages. Original writings by figures such as Bertrand Russell and W V Quine will be considered, as well as subsequent commentary. On completion of the subject, students should have a good understanding of the 20th century debate on the topic, and of the forms of argument characteristic of debates on this and similar topics.

Written work totalling 5000 words.