Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - PHIL 150 D100

History of Philosophy I (3)

Class Number: 8230

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2017
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of philosophic thought from late antiquity to the Renaissance. Special attention will be given to the works of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas. The views of these great thinkers have helped to shape the ways in which we see the world. This course is therefore recommended to everyone with an interest in our intellectual heritage. Open to all students. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course we will look at the answers that early philosophers give to central, perennial questions of human existence. What kind of life should I lead? Is it more important to be liked, or to stick to my principles? How is it that I manage, in moments of weakness, to do things that I don’t think I should do? What should I believe, and what should I remain skeptical about? What would count as good enough counter-evidence to make me change a well-entrenched belief? Should I believe in God? Can I find meaning in life without God, or would living then be a pointless (if fun) exercise? How is it that I can think, perceive, and feel if I am just a bundle of atoms? Actually, am I just a bundle of atoms? We will examine the works of early philosophers, starting around the fifth century BCE and continuing through to the thirteenth century CE, though most of our readings will be from Plato and Aristotle, Athenians who wrote in the fourth century BCE.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 150 may be applied towards the Certificate in Liberal Arts and the  Breadth-Humanities Requirement.

Grading

  • Five one-paragraph response papers: 5% each 25%
  • One short paper 20%
  • Mid-term 25%
  • Final exam 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

Papers should be submitted via Canvas.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Miller, Patrick Lee, C.D.C. Reeve, and Lloyd P. Gerson, eds., Introductory Readings in Greek and Roman Philosophy, 2nd edition, Hackett. ISBN: 978-1624663529

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS