形上學的目的在於理解實在的結構: 了解哪種實體存在, 它們的基本性質, 以及它們之間的關係。形上學是什麼呢? 從反面來說, 形上學不是神祕主義, 也不是關於玄妙之事的討論; 然而, 若要從正面來定義它, 多數人都同意, 我們很難給出這樣的一個定義。要知道形上學是什麼, 就它所涉及的哲學問題而言, 我們或許可以一窺端倪。形上學處理的議題, 至少包括了下列幾個: 探討存有的本體論、時間的本質、研究心靈現象和物理現象之間的關係的心物問題、心靈狀態、人格同一、自由意志與決定論、自然律、因果關係、模態性、理性存有者等等。本課程將挑選上述的某些議題做介紹, 讓學生知悉對於這些議題我們可以採取怎樣的立場、以及支持或反對這些立場的主要論證。 

The purpose of metaphysics is to understand the structure of reality: to know what kinds of entities exist, their fundamental properties, and the relationships between them. What is metaphysics? On the negative side, metaphysics is not mysticism, nor is it the discussion of mystical things; however, if we want to define it from the positive side, most people agree that it is difficult for us to give such a definition. To know what metaphysics is, we may be able to get a glimpse of the philosophical issues it involves. Topics dealt with by metaphysics include at least the following: exploring the ontology of existence, the nature of time, the mind-matter problem of studying the relationship between mental phenomena and physical phenomena, mental states, personality identity, free will and determinism, natural law, causality, modality, rational beings, etc. This course will introduce some of the above-mentioned issues to let students know what positions we can take on these issues and the main arguments for or against these positions. 

在中西思想發展中，對於宇宙人生普遍原理的整體思辨，以及對於終極真際(ultimate reality)的理性關懷，不僅指示了哲學之為形上學的追求，也標誌了人類心智與精神活動的重大成就。什麼是構成宇宙自然的基本原理？什麼是支配宇宙自然的普遍法則？這原理與法則和人有什麼關係？人在宇宙之中，居於何等地位？什麼是宇宙人生的究極真相？在變遷不已的表面現象背後，是否有永恆不變的原理？對於這些形上學的問題，哲學家們曾提出各種解答。本課程主要將介紹(一)形上學的概念與意義；(二)研究範圍與主要課題；（三）當代形上學主要議題。

In the development of Chinese and Western thought, the overall speculation on the universal principles of the universe and life, and the rational concern for ultimate reality, not only indicate the metaphysical pursuit of philosophy, but also mark the major achievements of human mental and spiritual activities. What are the basic principles that constitute the nature of the universe? What are the universal laws that govern the nature of the universe? What is the relationship between this principle, law, and people? What is the position of man in the universe? What is the ultimate truth of life in the universe? Behind the ever-changing surface phenomena, are there eternal principles? Philosophers have proposed various answers to these metaphysical questions. This course will mainly introduce (1) the concept and meaning of metaphysics; (2) the scope and main topics of research; (3) the main issues of contemporary metaphysics.

Ney, A. Metaphysics: An Introduction, New York: Routledge, 2014.

Ney, A. Metaphysics: An Introduction, New York: Routledge, 2014.