This courses discusses a number of major issues in metaphysics such as Necessity and Possibility; Identity; Existence; Time, Change and Persistence; and Determinism and Freedom.

2 lectures per week for 9 weeks, plus 4 tutorials. The course may not run every year. Options running this year are available on MyCampus.

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 2 x Essay (2500 words) - 100%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essays, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

The course aims to:

■ introduce students to a number of major issues in metaphysics.

■ familiarise students with the main positions and arguments within each topic.

■ enable students to deploy these arguments for themselves.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ identify and explain the key issues in metaphysics, such as: Necessity and Possibility; Identity; Existence; Time, Change and Persistence; and Determinism and Freedom.

■ expound the varying views on these topics covered in the course 

■ critically assess the positions using appropriate specialist terminologies 

Assessment for this course is at Masters Level.