Comparative Metaphysics
Key information
- Start date
- End date
- Year of study
- Year 1 or Year 2
- Duration
- Term 2
- Module code
- 158000198
- FHEQ Level
- 5
- Credits
- 15
- Department
- Department of Religions and Philosophies
Module overview
This module examines approaches to a number of metaphysical questions from both Global North and Global South traditions.
Students will critically approach metaphysical arguments in a comparative way, emphasising the permeable, cross-cultural way of thinking about topics such as personhood, the nature of gender, and the relationship between normativity and nature.
Objectives and learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course a student will be able to:
- Identify basic methods and problems of contemporary metaphysics
- Explain how metaphysical problems are related to other philosophical issues in the philosophy of language, social theory, and philosophy of mind
- Explain core arguments in metaphysics across a range of philosophical traditions
Scope and syllabus
Week 1: Introduction, motivation, and overview of the module
Week 2: Personhood – Akan Intersubjectivity
Week 3: Personhood – German Idealist Intersubjectivity
Week 4: Personhood – Post-Analytic Perspectives
Week 5: Metaphysics of Gender – He-Yin Zhen
Week 6: Reading Week
Week 7: Metaphysics of Gender – Performativity
Week 8: African Metaphysics of Gender
Week 9: The Problem of Normativity
Week 10: Decolonising Naturalism?
Week 11: Workshop
Workload
2-hours lecture and one hour tutorial per week over 22 weeks.
Method of assessment
- A short Essay or video essay, multimedia presentation (30%)
- A long Essay or video essay, multimedia presentation (70%)
Suggested reading
- Baker, L.R. 2017. ‘Naturalism and the Idea of Nature’. Philosophy 92: 333-349.
- Wiredu, K. 1992. ‘The African Concept of Personhood’, in H.E. Flack and D.
- Pellegrino, Edmund D. (eds.) African-American Perspectives on Biomedical Ethics. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press.
Convenor
Disclaimer
Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.