Space, time and causation
Edward Khamara and John Bigelow
8 points * 2 hours per week * First semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: First-year philosophy and two eight-point second-year philosophy subjects including one of PHL2110/2130/2170.
The first half of the subject will deal with some of the main philosophical problems regarding space and time. Topics to be discussed will include the relative versus the absolute views of space and time and the `static' versus the `dynamic' views of time. The second half of the course will discuss competing analyses of causation, ranging from sceptical theories which reduce causation to mere correlation, to metaphysical theories which analyse it in terms of counterfactual conditionals and possible worlds.
Assessment
Two 3000-word essays: 50% each * Optional replacement of one essay by a 3-hour examination
Prescribed texts
Alexander H G (ed.) The Leibniz-Clarke correspondence Manchester UP