Topics in Ontology

Code
570641
Credits
5cr

Goals

Learning Objectives
  • Referring to knowledge: Gain knowledge in analytic metaphysics concerning recent literature on plenitudinism, arbitrariness, constitution and personal identity.
  • Referring to abilities, skills: Acquire research skills in analytic metaphysics concerning recent literature on plenitudinism, arbitrariness, constitution and personal identity.
  • Referring to attitudes, values and norms: Develop attitudes, values and norms appropriate for research in analytic metaphysics concerning recent literature on plenitudinism, arbitrariness, constitution and personal identity.

 

Course plan

1. Introduction
2. Plenitudinism
3. Arbitrariness
4. Constitution
5. Personal Identity

The first four sessions consist of an introduction to the topics and methodology of the course. In each of the remaining sessions the focus is placed on some questions related to the following four issues in metaphysics: plenitudinism, arbitrariness, constitution and personal identity.

There are twelve regular 2.5-hour sessions. In general, sessions are divided into two parts. The first part is dedicated to the presentation of the material scheduled for that session, while the second part is dedicated to its philosophical discussion.

Some of the papers/chapters covered in the session are presented by the students (in agreement with the lecturer). Everybody is expected to have read the papers/chapters in detail in advance and to come to each of the twelve sessions with thoughts, questions and objections.

 

Assessment

Evaluation will be based on the contribution to discussions (20%), the quality of the presentation (30%) and a short (<3000 words) essay on a topic related to the seminar to be agreed with the instructor in due time (50%).

 

Bibliography

Blatti, S. Snowdon, P. (eds.) (2016): Animalism: New Essays on Persons, Animals, and Identity. OUP

Korman, D. (2015): Objects: Nothing out of the Ordinary. OUP

Koslicki, K. (2008): The Structure of Objects. OUP

Sider, T. Hawthorne, J. Zimmerman, D. (eds.) (2008): Contemporary Debates in Metaphysics. Blackwell

Olson, E. (2007): What Are We? Oxford University Press

Fairchild, M. (2023): 'Plenitude, Coincidence, and Humility'. Philosophical Perspectives 36(1): 59-77.

Fairchild, M. (2022): 'Arbitrariness and the Long Road to Permissivism'. Noûs 56(3): 619-638.