Topics in Metaphysics: Composi9on & Collec9vity
TAKE-HOME EXAM
(DUE: Friday, December 18, 11:59PM)
Topic: Collec9vity
Ques9on (in two parts):
1. Do Collec6ves Exist? That is, are collec6ves en66es in their own right? Answer by
engaging the views of Leibniz, Katherine Ritchie, and (op6onally) Kendy Hess.
2. Can collec6ves (and their members) have obliga6ons to perform certain ac6ons or be
blameworthy for performing (or failing to perform) certain ac6ons? Answer by
engaging the views of VioleLa Igneski and Stephanie Collins.
How to Approach the Ques9on:
• To answer the Ques6on above, you will need to break your aLempt down into smaller parts.
Here are the elements that should be included in a well-craSed answer:
1. Elements for Ques6on 1:
a. What are Collec6ves? How do they relate to Leibniz’s no6on of aggregate?
b. What does it mean to be an en6ty in your own right? How does this contrast
with being either an aggregate (Leibniz) or a mere plurality (Ritchie, Hess)?
c. Which answer seems most plausible? What are the reasons that support this
answer? (Keep in mind, you want to make it clear at the start what your answer
will be; however, you will not be in a posi6on to draw any conclusions un6l the
end of your discussion.)
2. Elements for Ques6on 2:
a. Why might it be difficult to determine whether collec6ves have obliga6ons or
are subject to blame? How do the obliga6ons/blameworthiness of collec6ves
relate tot he obliga6ons/blameworthiness of the members?
b. How does this ques6on differ depending on which type of collec6ve is under
considera6on: e.g. structured vs. unstructured collec6ves (Igneski)?
c. Which answer seems most plausible? What are the reasons that support this
answer? (Keep in mind, you want to make it clear at the start what your answer
will be; however, you will not be in a posi6on to draw any conclusions un6l the
end of your discussion.)
Guidelines (Style & Otherwise):
• 4-5 pages, double-spaced, 1” margins, 12pt font
• You must provide evidence (in the form of quota6ons) for any claims that you aLribute
to any of the philosophers considered.
• You must explain rather than simply report what each philosopher’s views are.
• You must provide reasons for rather than simply state what your own views are.
• You must submit your paper to iLearn by Friday, December 18 at 11:59PM.