Metaphysics, one of the core fields of philosophy, is concerned with such topics as appearance and reality, mind and body, substance and essence, space and time, universals and particulars, and freedom and determinism. Major figures in the history of philosophy (e.g., Plato and Descartes) have written extensively about metaphysics. This course focuses on some of these topics, and pursues them in considerable depth.

    Although having a prerequisite of two courses in philosophy, it provides an introduction to metaphysics, in that specific background in metaphysics is not presupposed.

    Required readings: 1. Descartes, Selected Philosophical Writings,, trans. Cottingham, Stoothoff, Murdoch. Cambridge University Press, 1988. ISBN-13: 9780521358125. 2. D. H. Mellor, Real Time II. Taylor & Francis, 1998. ISBN-13: 9780415097819. 3. D. M. Armstrong, Universals: An Opinionated Introduction. Westview Press, 1989. ISBN-13: 9780813307725. Additional required readings might be assigned during the course of the semester.

    The instructor is happy to answer questions, which may be sent to the following e-mail address: john.lango@hunter.cuny.edu