MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS
Arts Undergraduate Handbook 1996
Published by Monash University
Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
(i) Metaphysics
Aubrey Townsend
Synopsis Some of the best science fiction stories explore metaphysical
ideas. Much of the pleasure to be had in reading them comes from thinking about
the metaphysical issues they raise - we wonder whether they present a coherent
possible world. Stories about time travel, for example, provoke speculation
about time, causation, and human freedom. Similarly reflection on what it is to
be a person, and about personal identity, can issue from stories about personal
survival in fantastic situations. In this course, science fiction will be used
to introduce and illustrate the discussion of serious philosophical issues in
metaphysics. Readings for the course will include selections from both science
fiction and the philosophical literature on time, cause and freedom, personal
identity, consciousness and artificial intelligence, dreams and reality. The
course is intended to provide a suitable foundation for later studies in
epistemology and metaphysics.
Assessment Essay (1200 words): 25% + Examination: 25%
Prescribed texts
- A collection of readings is available from the department
Recommended reading
- Glover J IThe philosophy and psychology of personal identity, Penguin
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