Metaphysics Exam Jan. 2007
Answer one question from each part. Time limit three hours.
Part I
1.
What is the point of invoking possible worlds when discussing modality? What must
possible worlds be like if it is to succeed?
2.
Some contemporary philosophers are “fictionalists” about mathematical objects; others
are fictionalists about possible worlds or literary characters. What is fictionalism about a
kind of object? How does it differ from instrumentalism (about the sort)? Evaluate
reasons for and against fictionalism with respect to some particular sort of object?
3.
The death of correspondence theories of truth has been widely heralded. What exactly is
a correspondence theory of truth, and why would someone be tempted to hold such?
Why are such theories supposed to be untenable? Are they?
Part II
4.
If there are properties, what are they like? Does this show that there aren’t any? Is there
any alterative to positing properties?
5.
Could two substances be perfect qualitative duplicates? What does this show about
substances?
6.
Our talk is vague. And so there can be vague identities, insofar as it is a vague matter as
to whether two terms name the same thing. But could identity itself be a vague matter?
Present and adjudicate among representative answers to this question.
Part III
6.
Do macroscopic objects cause anything? If so, is there pervasive overdetermination?
Does it matter if there is?
7.
What is the best version of the argument for the non-existence of God based on the
problem of Evil? Does it succeed?
9.
What relation must my beliefs and desires have to my choices, and my choices to my
actions, if my actions are to be reckoned to be free?