Metaphysics

Intensive introduction to core topics in contemporary metaphysics. What is the fundamental structure of reality? Is it objective? How can there be truths about what is possible or necessary, if only the actual exists? Do we have free will? What is it for an event to be determined by its causes? Is the only thing that exists the current instance of time? Is the world purely physical? Does science answer all of these questions? If not, is there some other way to answer them? Prerequisites: PHIL 80, PHIL 150 (or equivalent), and PHIL 181 (or equivalent). Instructor permission required.