Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - PHIL 203 D100

Metaphysics (3)

Class Number: 3976

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 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 constructing arguments in the context of contemporary debates on these topics.

This course will meet over Zoom during the scheduled class period. Students are expected to have video on at all times, if possible, and audio on when speaking.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

Grading

  • Weekly reading notes 10%
  • Weekly group discussion 10%
  • Group moderation 20%
  • Paper 1 (including outline and presentation) 30%
  • Paper 2 (including outline and presentation) 30%

NOTES:

Course delivery: remote, synchronous. Online presence is required during scheduled lecture time.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students must have access to the technology required to participate via Zoom during class meetings.

REQUIRED READING:

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

Additional readings will be posted on Canvas.


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:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).