Metaphysics

Catalog description

Kids think Santa Claus is real, but we know he’s not. Some people think that God is real, others do not. But what do we mean when we say that something is real? What is it for something to be? These are the foundational questions of metaphysics. In this class, we will look at philosophers who have theories of what it is for something to be real, as well as philosophers who think that the word “real” itself is devoid of meaning. We will then look at some classic debates about what reality consists in. Does reality include numbers, properties, and other such abstractions? Can reality change? Can things really persist over time? This is philosophy, so extra focus will be given to the rigorous reconstruction and evaluation of arguments. Prerequisite: GPS or Sophomore standing. Fulfillment: Humanities Advanced elective.