Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - PHIL 203 D100

Metaphysics (3)

Class Number: 2832

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 100W (or equivalent), 120W (or equivalent), 121, 144, 150, 151, or COGS 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of central problems of metaphysics such as space and time, universals and particulars, substance, identity and individuation and personal identity.

COURSE DETAILS:

Broadly construed, metaphysics concerns the most general questions one can ask about the world and our place in it: What sorts of entities are there? What are their features? We will consider a range of metaphysical topics, including: abstract entities, material objects, time and persistence, modality, causation, free will, and the metaphysics of race. Students will work on reading, assessing, and proposing arguments in the context of contemporary debates on these topics.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 203 is a required course for the Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate. 

Grading

  • 4 short assignments, worth 25% each 100%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Metaphysics: An Introduction, by Alyssa Ney, Routledge, ISBN-13: 978-0-415-64075-6

 Additional readings will be posted on Canvas.

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