Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - PHIL 803 G100

Selected Topics in Metaphysics (5)

Causation and Modality

Class Number: 10324

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Causation and Modality

[Note: this course is to be taught concurrently with PHIL 455W.]  

Important note regarding enrollment: All seats are reserved for Philosophy Graduate students. Enrollments from other departments will be considered only upon submission of the Graduate Course Add Form, and with instructor's permission. All such enrollments will be done in or after the first week of classes.

This course will examine the issues of how causation and modality interact, especially in the context of explanation. We will cover major contemporary accounts of causation, focusing on how each account relies on or constrains modality. We will also compare theories of modality and various kinds of modal necessity. Then, the course will move to detailed comparisons of these views and how each can figure in different kinds of causal and noncausal explanation.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Successful completion of this course will satisfy the following stream distribution requirement toward the MA degree for Philosophy graduate students:

Metaphysics

Grading

  • Precis and discussion questions 20%
  • Paper outline 5%
  • Presentations 10%
  • Final paper 65%

REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to attend class every week.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available through Canvas.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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