This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

Calendar

LEC # TOPICS KEY DATES
1 What and why is a metaphysician?  
2 Things and Properties  
3 Properties = Universals  
4 Properties = (Special) Particulars  
5 Properties at Work First paper topics out
6 Non-existence  
7 Existence  
8 As-if Existence  
9 Identity of Indiscernibles First paper due six days after lecture 9
10 Contingent Identity  
11 Transworld Identity  
12 Necessary and Contingent  
13 De Re Modality  
14 Essence and Accident  
15 Possible Worlds  
16 Causation as Regularity  
17 Causation as Dependence  
18 Causal Networks  
19 Holding Fixed  
20 Sufficient Reason Second paper topics out 5 days after lecture 20
21 De Facto Dependence  
22 Pains and Brains  
23 Multiple Realization  
24 Special Sciences Second paper due 6 days after lecture 24
25 Last Class and Course Summary