This course studies the philosophy of David Lewis, asking both about the viability of his theories on particular topics and about the systematic coherence of his work.

16x1hr lectures; 4x1hr seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in Philosophy and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

None

None

Exam (90 minutes) - 40%

Essay (3000 words) - 60%

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course aims to:

■ Introduce students to the philosophical work of David Lewis;

■ Familiarize students with Lewis's theories in a number of areas of metaphysics, philosophy of language, epistemology, and value theory;

■ Enhance students' capacity to analyse a philosophical system as a whole, and to think systematically themselves.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Critically evaluate Lewis's reductionism and the major challenges it faces;

■ Articulate different views about whether there is a plurality of worlds, and argue for or against these views;

■ Explain and critically assess Lewis's theories on certain selected subject matters (which may include laws of nature, colours, qualia).

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.