Admission requirements
- MA Philosophy 60 EC: specialisation Philosophy of Knowledge
Description
In Modal Logic as Metaphysics, Timothy Williamson argues for the surprising and bold claim that it is necessary what things there are: it could not have been the case that any of the things that are actual fail to be actual, nor that there could be more things than are actual. Timothy Williamson—or, indeed, any of us—is a necessary existent.
This claim - the thesis of necessitism - has sparked extensive debate and interest within metaphysics and beyond, and Williamson’s work is easily among the most influential texts of theoretical philosophy in the 21st Century.
Williamson’s argument for necessitism is centrally based on concerns from logic. In particular, Williamson thinks that the power, simplicity, and elegance of certain logical systems provides a guide to the truth of metaphysical claims. The aim of the course is twofold: on the one hand, we will delve into Williamson’s arguments concerning modal logic and necessitism, and, on the other, we will investigate the methods he is using, and therefore the relation between logic and metaphysics.
This seminar will engage in a close and critical evaluation of the central arguments of the text. While the book includes technical material, no mastery of logic past the introductory level will be presupposed, and students from a broad range of backgrounds are welcome. Depending on student background and interests, we may take course time to get up to speed on the basics of quantified modal logic. Course assignments may thus include some problem-solving work, both individually and as a group. The main emphasis will be on philosophical argumentation.
Course objectives
Students who successfully complete the course will have a good understanding of:
the central advantages and disadvantages of different systems of quantified modal logic;
the main arguments for and against necessitism.
Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:
evaluate different methodological proposals regarding the interaction between logic and metaphysics;
defend a proposal in the debate between necessitism and its rival, contingentism.
Timetable
The timetables are available through MyTimetable.
Mode of instruction
- Seminar
Class attendance is required.
Assessment method
Assessment
Assessment will be based on the following components:
paper of approximately 3,500 words in length (60%)
7 weekly responses throughout the semester to be posted on Brightspace (15%)
oral presentation (15%)
short assignments (10%)
Weighing
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average of the several subtests (see above).
Resit
The resit consists of one examination for both the midterm and final examination, consisting of a written exam covering the entire course content. The mark for the resit will replace all previously earned marks for the midterm and final exam (80%). No separate resits will be offered for mid- term tests.
Satisfactory completion of weekly assignments is a prerequisite for taking the resit and the grades for weekly assignments remain in place.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
Our main text will be Timothy Williamson’s Modal Logic as Metaphysics. Additional technical materials on modal logic will be provided, and additional essays will be made available to participants on Brightspace.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: [Naam Onderwijsadministratie](link naar contactgegevens OA)
Remarks
All other information.