Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - PHIL 201 D100

Epistemology (3)

Class Number: 7685

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2022
    Fri, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 100, 100W, 120, 120W, 121, 144, 150, 151, 300, or COGS 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A critical overview of recent accounts of the nature and scope of human knowledge and of justified or rational belief, and of philosophical issues that these accounts are intended to address. Students who have taken PHIL 301 cannot take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will serve as an introduction to epistemology, the theory of knowledge. We will explore time-honored philosophical questions such as, What is knowledge? Does knowledge depend on justification? How do our faculties of sensory experience and rational reflection each contribute to justification? After covering some of the classic philosophical debates on these questions, a substantial portion of the course will be set aside to examining recent developments which attempt to move away from the individualistic focus of classical epistemology by uncovering a distinctively social dimension of knowledge. Among the questions that will concern us here are theory choice in science, testimony and peer disagreement, feminist epistemology and epistemic injustice. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 201 is a required course for the Philosophy Major and the Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate. 

Grading

  • Participation: measured by contribution on classroom discussion or to Canvas discussion board 10%
  • First paper (4-5 pp.) 25%
  • Second paper (5-6 pp.) 35%
  • Take-home final exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available online or supplied by instructor.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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

New elective grade policy : P/CR/NC, pilot project in place from Spring 2021 to Summer 2023. List of exclusions for the new policy. Specifically for Philosophy: 

  • Students can use a P or CR to satisfy any requirement for a major, joint major, honours, or minor in Philosophy (with the exception of Honours tutorials).
  • Students can use a P or CR to satisfy any prerequisite requirement for any PHIL course.
  • Students can use a P (but not a CR) to satisfy any requirement for the Ethics Certificate, or the Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate.
  • Philosophy Majors and Honours students can use a P (but not a CR) to satisfy any WQB requirement.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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