Introduction to metaphysics and the theory of knowledge

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

Lecturer

Pieter Thyssen

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course offers an introduction to the central topics in contemporary analytical metaphysics and epistemology.

Metaphysics seeks to understand the fundamental nature of reality. It raises questions such as : How can I be the same person I was ten years ago, even though I've changed so much ? How can there be identity through change ? Do we have free will, or are we entirely determined by external causes ? What is time, and how does it differ from space ? What makes one event the cause of another ? What are laws of nature ? Do only concrete objects exist, like tables and chairs, or are there also abstract entities, such as properties or numbers ? Is the world we know the only one, or are there also possible worlds ?

Epistemology, by contrast, studies the nature and limits of human knowledge. It addresses questions such as : What is knowledge ? Can we know something that is false ? Can machines think like humans ? What are the sources of knowledge ? Does knowledge only come from experience (a posteriori), or can it also come from reason (a priori) ? Is there a difference between common sense knowledge and scientific knowledge ? What about religious or moral knowledge ? Are there limits to what we can know ? And how can we be certain that we're not living in a simulated reality ?

The course is designed to be topic-oriented rather than history-oriented. Each week will be devoted to a different topic, examined through different philosophical lenses and across different eras. The first part of the course will focus on metaphysical issues. The second part will address epistemological questions.

By exploring these fascinating and profound questions, the course also aims to develop your argumentative skills and to sharpen your critical thinking. Through readings and discussions, you will learn to formulate and evaluate arguments, question assumptions, and think rigorously about complex issues.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

This course aims to introduce students to the major "classical" questions of contemporary metaphysics and epistemology.

By the end of the course, students should be able to :

- Correctly use key concepts in metaphysics and epistemology.
- Clearly present the main questions raised in metaphysics and epistemology.
- Explain and compare different philosophical positions on these questions.
- Evaluate and discuss the arguments supporting these philosophical positions.
- Formulate and argue individual positions.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

None.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course consists of 30 hours of ex cathedra lectures. Each lesson will be illustrated with short excerpts from philosophical texts, the reading of which is mandatory. Since the course is designed to prepare students for these readings, attendance in class is essential.

Revision sessions

Revision sessions, organized and led by the student tutor, are offered in the first term (September-December). They are not compulsory, but they provide an opportunity to (i) review the material covered in class, (ii) ask questions, and (iii) develop skills in the reading and commentary of philosophical texts through collective reading and discussion (clarification of key concepts, identification of main ideas, analysis of arguments, contextualization, etc.).

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Although the course will primarily be in person, some sessions may be held online.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

There are no lecture notes.

Students will receive a detailed course outline as well as a collection of texts (in English and French translation) that are required reading (available on eCampus).

The slides presented during the course will also be made available to students (in PDF format on eCampus) throughout the semester.

Additional readings

Most of the issues that will be covered during the course are introduced and discussed in :

- Riddles of Existence: A Guided Tour of Metaphysics, by Earl Conee and Theodore Sider (Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2014, new edition, 261 pp.)

- Metaphysics: A Very Short Introduction, by Stephen Mumford (Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2012, 113 pp.)

- What is This Thing Called Knowledge? By Duncan Pritchard (Londres : Routledge, 2023, fifth edition, 283 pp.).

These books are recommended for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the subject, but are not required for the course.

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam


Further information:

Components of the evaluation

Final grade = attendance (mandatory, ungraded, 0%) + oral exam (100%).

Class participation

Students must actively participate in class discussions. Therefore, attendance at each session is mandatory.

Oral exam

Oral exam in January with a short preparation time. Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the material during an oral interview lasting approximately 15 minutes. The exam consists of four questions drawn at random : three basic questions (worth a total of 12 points, or 60% of the grade) and one advanced question (8 points, or 40% of the grade).

Question 1 : explain a metaphysical concept (4/20 = 20%)

Question 2 : explain an epistemological concept (4/20 = 20%)

Question 3 : comment on one of the required texts (4/20 = 20%)

Question 4 : draw on the entire course material to develop an advanced reflection (8/20 = 40%)

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

The course takes place during the first semester (September-December), on Thursdays from 14:00 to 16:00.

Office hours

Students are strongly encouraged to attend the professor's office hours. While entirely optional, these meetings offer a valuable opportunity to clarify philosophical questions discussed in class and to explore related topics. Office hours will be announced at the beginning of the semester.

Contacts

Pieter THYSSEN

Department of Philosophy
Building A1, 2nd floor, room A1/2/32B
Place du 20-Août, 7
B-4000 Liège

p.thyssen@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs

There is no MOOC associated with this course.