Epistemology and Metaphysics

This course explores contemporary issues in two major branches of analytic philosophy: epistemology and metaphysics. Epistemology is concerned with the nature of knowledge, while metaphysics investigates fundamental aspects of the world.

In the Epistemology section, we address topics such as justified evidence, scepticism, the Gettier problem, and contextualism in relation to knowledge. In the Metaphysics section, we will examine the problem of free will and determinism, the essence of material objects and their persistence over time, mereology (parts and whole relations), and Ontology (what exists).

Throughout the course, we engage with primary texts by leading contemporary philosophers, including W.V. Quine, Hilary Putnam, Timothy Williamson, and David Lewis. This engagement will enable students to develop a deep understanding of the major debates in contemporary analytic epistemology and metaphysics, as well as the ability to analyze and critically evaluate arguments in these areas. By the end of the course, students will have developed a solid understanding of contemporary issues in analytic epistemology and metaphysics, as well as the ability to engage critically with these areas.