Walter C. Murray Lecture

The Question of Metaphysics
by Jessica Wilson
Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy
University of Toronto

I address the question of whether there is any role for metaphysics to play on which it is both non-redundant
and capable of genuinely illuminating whatever subject matter is at issue. I first argue that metaphysical methodology itself obliges metaphysicians to take this question seriously. I then argue that the currently popular “hands-off” conception of metaphysical theorizing is unable to provide a satisfactory answer to the question of metaphysics. Third, I present my preferred “embedded” conception of metaphysics, and say why it makes good sense of metaphysics as a non-redundant discipline, capable of producing intelligible and illuminating results.

Sponsored in part by the Role Model Speaker Fund of the College of Arts & Science

For more information contact Susan Dieleman