Spring 2019 - PHIL 100W E100

Knowledge and Reality (3)

Class Number: 7312

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 10, 2019
    Wed, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

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:

An introductory course 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). Over the course of the semester we will consider questions such as: What constitutes a good life? Do we have free will? What is the relationship between the mind and the body? 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, with a special focus on developing the skills needed to read and write philosophy, and to improve student’s general critical thinking skills.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:


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

Grading

  • Participation (short in-class writing assignments) 10%
  • Two Reflection Papers (5-7 pages, both with 1st draft and re-write) 40%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Final Exam 30%

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://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