Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - PHIL 455W E100

Contemporary Issues in Epistemology and Metaphysics (4)

Conceptual Truths

Class Number: 3981

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Tue, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Two 300 division PHIL courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

May be repeated for credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Conceptual Truths

[Note: this course is to be taught concurrently with PHIL 802.]  

The analytic/synthetic distinction has been a basic tool in the philosophers’ kit for more than a century. In this course, we examine the distinction, considering applications in ethics, metaethics, the philosophy of logic and mathematics, epistemology, and metaphysics. We will also discuss skepticism about the analytic/synthetic distinction.

All students will give an in-class presentation and write a final paper. Because the analytic/synthetic distinction has been used in just about all branches of philosophy, students will have a wide choice of topics — they may write papers on ethics, metaethics, epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of logic, philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of mind, early modern philosophy, or early analytic philosophy.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 455W may be applied towards the Writing Requirement (and the upper division Writing Requirement for Philosophy Majors). This course may be repeated for credit if the topic is different.

PHIL 455W course-level educational goals:

  • Students should understand the history of the philosophical discussion concerning the analytic/synthetic distinction, from Frege to the present day.
  • Students should understand the most prominent applications of the analytic/synthetic distinction.
  • Students should understand sources of skepticism concerning the analytic/synthetic distinction.
  • Students will write advanced papers — beyond what is expected in a 300-level course. Students wishing to write papers for graduate school applications might consider this course.
  • Students will develop their presentation skills.

Grading

  • Short weekly assignments. 15%
  • Attendance (each student will lose 0.5% of final grade for each unauthorized absence) 5%
  • Plan for in-class presentation 20%
  • In-class presentation 10%
  • Paper proposal 10%
  • First draft of paper 15%
  • Final draft of paper 25%

NOTES:

Course delivery: remote, synchronous. Online attendance is required during scheduled time. Each student will lose 0.5% of their final grade for each unauthorized absence. Students wanting an authorized absence should ask permission from the instructor before the seminar.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All students will need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection, a webcam and a microphone.

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be made available through 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).