PHIL 2047 - Reality and Knowledge

Metaphysics is the attempt to understand in the most abstract and systematic way the nature of reality. It deals with the fundamental concepts like the self and personal identity, causation, the mind and the nature of time and space. Epistemology is the study of knowledge. The two subjects influence each other when we come to consider the nature of truth and explanation. In this course students will be introduced to some of the central questions in epistemology and metaphysics in both their traditional forms. We may discuss questions like 'Are you the same person as the child born to your parents?' and 'Is time an illusion?'