PHIL 251 - Metaphysics and Epistemelogy

Author: Dr. Gerry Callaghan, University of Waterloo Lecturer - Fall 2025 UW

Metaphysics = branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of reality (what is real and what is not)

• metaphysics of qualities
• metaphysics of mind and body
• metaphysics of selves

1. Universals
2. Causality
3. Determinism
4. Identity
5. Mind-Body-problem
6. is-reality-social

Epistemology = branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of knowledge.

• deals with what knowledge is and how knowledge is different from mere belief, true belief, etc.
• how can our beliefs be justified?

1. Skepticism
2. Inductive-inferences
3. epistemological-gap-between-experience-and-theory
4. logical-empiricism
5. traditional-analysis-of-knowledge
6. structure-of-knowledge
7. social-epistemology