Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - PHIL 100W D100

Knowledge and Reality (3)

Class Number: 2828

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 16, 2018
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to some of the central problems of philosophy. Topics to be discussed include the different theories of reality; the nature and sources of knowledge, truth, evidence, and reason; the justification of belief and knowledge about the universe. These topics and problems will be considered as they arise in the context of issues such as: relativism versus absolutism; the existence of God; personal identity; the nature of the mind and its relation to the body; free will and determinism; the possibility of moral knowledge. Open to all students. Students with credit for PHIL 100 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This class will consider some of the most influential problems in western philosophy. To help us think critically about these problems, we will read classic and contemporary philosophers, as well as watch the movie Shaun of the Dead (2005).

Some of the questions we will address:
- Do we have knowledge of the external world?
- What is the relationship between the mind and the body?
- What is the nature of personal identity?
- Do I have free will?

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 100W may be applied towards the Certificate in Liberal Arts, the Writing Requirement and the Breadth-Humanities Requirement.

This course aims to develop the skills that are necessary for success in university and beyond, namely the ability to think critically, to read with a careful eye, to listen to others, and to write clearly.

Grading

  • Low stakes assignments 10%
  • First paper 15%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Second paper, with revisions 25%
  • Comprehensive final exam 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

Written work for this course will be submitted via Turnitin, a third party service licensed for use by SFU. Turnitin is used for originality checking to help detect plagiarism. Students will be required to create an account with Turnitin, and to submit their work via that account, on the terms stipulated in the agreement between the student and Turnitin. This agreement includes the retention of your submitted work as part of the Turnitin database. Any student with a concern about using the Turnitin service may opt to use an anonymous identity in their interactions with Turnitin. Students who do not intend to use Turnitin in the standard manner must notify the instructor at least two weeks in advance of any submission deadline. In particular, it is the responsibility of any student using the anonymous option (i.e. false name and temporary e-mail address created for the purpose) to inform the instructor such that the instructor can match up the anonymous identity with the student.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings are available online or will be posted on Canvas. No textbook is required.

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