PHIL 314 - Contemporary Metaphysics and Epistemology

Am I free? Is time an illusion? How can I know what is real? Metaphysics and epistemology are concerned with such fundamental questions about reality and knowledge. This class investigates contemporary research in these core areas of philosophy. Likely topics in metaphysics: freedom, causality, time, fictional or possible objects, moral realism, the origin and structure of the universe. Likely topics in epistemology: realism and relativism, theories of justification, perception, epistemic values and duties, naturalized and experimental epistemology. We will also consider certain questions in meta-philosophy: what is the aim of philosophy? what is philosophical method: what is the relation between philosophy and other disciplines? This class will be conducted seminar-style. Prerequisite(s): A 100- or 200- level Philosophy course Every other year. (4 Credits)