Metaphysics studies fundamental nature of reality, existence, and structure of the world. What exists? What is nature of objects, properties, space, time, causation? Substance metaphysics asks what endures through change.
From Aristotle's works "after Physics." Ancient: Parmenides, Plato, Aristotle. Medieval debates. Early modern substance theories. Kant questioned possibility. Logical positivists rejected. Mid-20th century revival.
Existence and being. Substance and attributes. Universals versus particulars. Identity and change. Possible worlds. Causation. Space and time. Free will and determinism.
Foundation of philosophical inquiry. Informs philosophy of science. Modal logic from possible worlds. Free will debates affect ethics. Contemporary engages science.
