Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - PHIL 326 D100

Topics in Law and Philosophy (3)

Knowledge & Communication

Class Number: 4943

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 120W (or equivalent), 121, 220, 221, ENV 320W, or with permission of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores in detail classic problems in the law using the methods and resources of philosophy. Topics may include: problems in professional ethics facing lawyers; philosophical issues in international law and human rights; constitutional interpretation and the philosophy of language; the assessment of evidence and formal epistemology; the intellectual origins of the theory of natural law and natural rights; or others. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics in Law and Philosophy: Knowledge and Communication

Law-making and legal processes are constantly shaped by information and communication. In turn, the law regulates and influences what information we have and how we communicate. In fact, it’s common to defend particular speech and information policies by suggesting that they’re important for democracy. This course explores the relationship between knowledge, information, communication, and the law by considering questions like the following:


•Why do voters and policy-makers sometimes mistrust or ignore scientists?

•When should lawyers be willing to breach client confidentiality?

•What are the limits of legitimate government surveillance?

•When evidence is collected through rights violations, should prosecutors be permitted to use that evidence in court?

•Can misinformation on social media be controlled while respecting freedom of speech?

•Should intellectual property law make it easier to share and adapt existing artistic work?

•When private individuals spend their own money to publicize their views about political candidates, should we restrict how much they can spend?

Course assignments will focus on helping students to analyze the arguments in course readings, to develop well-supported critiques of those arguments, and to defend those analyses in clearly written papers.

**This course will meet over Zoom during the scheduled class period.**

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 326 may be applied towards the Certificate in Ethics: Theory and Application (see our website for more details). It is also one of the requried courses for the concentration in Law and Philosophy.

Grading

  • One 4-5 page paper 30%
  • One 8-10 page paper (preceded by a paper proposal; see below) 50%
  • Quality of Course Engagement (quality of written work in the paper proposal and in five, short, reading response exercises + quality of contributions to class discussion, including in break-out groups + (optionally) quality of in-class reading worksheets) 20%

NOTES:

This course will meet over Zoom during the scheduled class period.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

This course will meet over Zoom during the scheduled class period.  Students will need a microphone and high-speed internet access that will allow them to view live video and contribute to discussions and class activities over audio.  A camera is optional.  Technical specifications for compatibility with Zoom are available here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-requirements-for-Windows-macOS-and-Linux#h_d278c327-e03d-4896-b19a-96a8f3c0c69c 

REQUIRED READING:

 All readings will be available on the course’s Canvas page.

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 SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course 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.

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) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.