Cambridge Introduction to Metaphysics – Hour 10
This post marks the completion of my first session with the Cambridge Introduction to Metaphysics following my System of Learning.
Ever since I took a Philosophy of Mind class in my third year of Engineering studies, I have taken a terrible interest in Philosophy. And embarrassingly enough, I have something of a desire to do a master's degree in the subject. Although, I am well aware that this will likely never happen, and more importantly, I likely don't want it to happen. So, I was happy to take this opportunity to experience some Philosophy, in order to better understand myself and maybe have some fun. Luckily, my system does not discriminate; I may "pick any intriguing topic, no matter its utility".
I read the first and second chapters, whereby I was introduced to a primary aim of Metaphysics and some metaphysical findings. This primary aim of Metaphysics seems to consist in giving accounts of concepts. For example, the introduction (I believe it was there) gives an account of necessity in terms of other worlds. On similar lines, the second chapter shows a number of accounts of causation, and how each determines the causal facts through a multitude of fascinating examples. In each, the causal facts (the causes of each effect) are more or less obvious, but each theory may determine them differently. Even more excitingly, at the end of the first chapter, we are introduced to a folk Philosophy example that challenges the notion of causation itself. In the example, it seems intuitive to say that a wizard named Merlin turned a prince into a frog, but there also seems to be no possible facts to support this!
To improve my understanding and practice my writing, I wrote a short piece on causation, titled An Event Without Cause. In order to not waffle about, I gave myself two hours to complete it. Writing is one of my favourite parts of Philosophy, and so it was the same with this piece. Overall, I really enjoyed my time working with this book and analyzing the notion of causation, no matter how useful it was. I hope to engage with it again in the near future.