Metaphysics [2487]

General Information

• Credits: 6 ECTS
• Prerequisites: baccalaureate level or equivalent; proficiency in French
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: French
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle

Course Overview

This course offers a systematic introduction to Thomistic metaphysics by examining being in its most universal sense and the fundamental principles that explain reality. It begins with the study of being, analogy, transcendental properties, potency and act, essence and existence, substance, accidents, and relations, before exploring causality, the four causes, efficient and final causality, obediential potency, possibility, and the metaphysical implications of evolution. Throughout the course, students are introduced to the key concepts and methods of classical metaphysical inquiry while developing the ability to analyze philosophical problems concerning being, causality, and the ultimate explanation of reality.

Learning Outcomes

This course enables you to:

• Explain the fundamental concepts, principles, and questions of metaphysics.
• Disciver the nature of being, causality, substance, essence, existence, and the principal metaphysical distinctions.
• Apply Thomistic metaphysical concepts to the critical examination of philosophical problems.
• Understand the coherence and implications of major metaphysical theories concerning reality, causality, and the ultimate
• causes of beings.

Course Competencies

This course is linked to the following competency:

• Investigate the nature of being and of the human person through metaphysics and philosophical anthropology.

Course Outline

Section 1: Introduction

Section 2: The Analogy of Being

Section 3: The Properties of Being

Section 4: Potency & Act

Section 5: Essence & Existence

Section 6: Substance & Subsistence

Section 7: Accidents and Relation

Section 8: Cause

Section 9: Intrinsic & Extrinsic Causes

Section 10: Efficient Cause

Section 11: Kinds of Efficient Causes & Instrumental Efficient Causality

Section 12: Final Cause

Section 13: Obediential Potency

Section 14: Possible Being & the Metaphysics of Evolution

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade,
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises);
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Prerequisites

This course is open to anyone with a general level of education equivalent to the baccalaureate, or with personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written French is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities.

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.

Selective Bibliography

• Claude Tresmontant, Christian Metaphysics, London, Sheed and Ward, 1965.
• Emerich Coreth, Metaphysics, New York, Herder and Herder, 1968.
• Fernand Van Steenberghen, Ontology, Louvain, Nauwelaerts, 1970.
• George P. Klubertanz, S.J., Introduction to the Philosophy of Being, New York, Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1955.
• Henry J. Koren, An Introduction to the Science of Metaphysics, St. Louis, MO, B. Herder Book Co., 1955.