Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - PHIL 300 E100

Introduction to Philosophy (3)

Class Number: 6334

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Mon, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2018
    Mon, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

    Dec 10, 2018
    Mon, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    At least 60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introductory course specifically intended for students in other departments who have at least 60 units. This course is more advanced than 100 and 200 division courses and is of interest to students not only in the humanities, but also in the natural and social sciences. Normally, students with credit for PHIL 100 may not take this course for further credit. This course does not count towards the upper division requirements for a student pursuing a minor, major, or honors program in philosophy. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

An introductory course for non-majors focused on providing a survey of the discipline of philosophy and some of its central questions and methods. This course will cover a selection of central questions in Epistemology (the theory of Knowledge), and Metaphysics (the nature of existence). We will consider questions such as: What constitutes a good life? Do we have free will? What is knowledge and do we have it? Does God exist? We will read from a diverse selection of topics in philosophy, both classic and contemporary. The course will expose students to the fundamental methods of philosophical analysis, and help them develop their critical thinking skills.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:


PHIL 300 may be applied towards the Certificate in Liberal Arts and the Breadth-Humanities Requirement.

Only if you are a Philosophy Major or Minor: please note that PHIL 300 will NOT count towards your upper division requirements.

Grading

  • Attendance 5%
  • Participation (short in-class writing assignments) 15%
  • Short Reflection Papers 20%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

To be announced.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philmgr@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

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