Scientists, philosophers, and theologians claim that there are entities that are beyond the reach of the senses. According to physicists, for example, there are tiny particles that are the building blocks of all matter. Some philosophers assert that human beings have souls. And according to theologians, there is an intelligent creator of the universe whose existence cannot be directly observed. Such assertions raise the following questions: (a) Are they true? (b) How can we know that they are true? (c) Do such entities really exist?

Although these questions are interrelated, questions (a) and (b) are epistemological questions, whereas question (c) is a metaphysical question. Epistemology literally means "theory of knowledge." Epistemologists investigate the nature and origin of knowledge, the possibility of acquiring knowledge, and ways of doing so. Metaphysics is an inquiry into the nature of reality. Metaphysicians investigate the existence of God and the relation of cause and effect. They are also interested in questions that pertain to humans in particular: Do we have a mind or a soul? Is the soul immortal? Do we have free will?

This course introduces students to these two areas of inquiry within philosophy. We will take the following approach: first, we will read and discuss important texts by major figures in the history of philosophy; second, we will consider recent developments by contemporary epistemologists and metaphysicians; and third, we will discuss case studies that will help us appreciate the importance of such questions and their relevance to some contemporary issues such as the Evolution-Creationism debate and the status of science as a knowledge-seeking enterprise.