Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - PHIL 100W D100

Knowledge and Reality (3)

Class Number: 7247

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 23, 2022
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

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:

  • Do we know anything for certain?
  • Does God exist?
  • If God does exist, why does He permit so much suffering?
  • Is a human being a purely physical system? Or do you have a non-physical component too – a mind or soul?
  • Do you have free will?
  • What is the difference between right and wrong?

In this course, we will debate some of the biggest philosophical questions, including those above.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course has three main goals, which are equally weighted:

  1. Students will develop their writing skills. In particular, students will practice writing in a clear and precise way about complex topics.
  2. Students will develop their analytical skills. In particular, students will practice analyzing and evaluating arguments.
  3. Students will learn about different philosophical views.
PHIL 100W may be applied towards the Writing Requirement, and the Breadth-Humanities Requirement.
Videos: Why Study Philosophy? and Meet Our Professors!

Grading

  • Attendance and participation in tutorials (score to be determined by your TA) 10%
  • Weekly writing assignments, graded on a pass/fail basis 10%
  • Paper 1 25%
  • Paper 2 30%
  • Final exam 25%

NOTES:

  •  Lectures and tutorials will be held in person.
  •  Attendance at tutorials is required.
  •  The lectures will be recorded, so attendance at the lectures is optional (but encouraged).
  •  The weekly written assignments and papers will be submitted online, through Canvas.
  •  I anticipate that the final exam will be held in person (but of course this may change, due to Covid-19 or something else).

REQUIREMENTS:

Written work for this course will be submitted via Turnitin, a third party service licensed for use by SFU. Turnitin is used for originality checking to help detect plagiarism. Students will be required to create an account with Turnitin, and to submit their work via that account, on the terms stipulated in the agreement between the student and Turnitin. This agreement includes the retention of your submitted work as part of the Turnitin database. Any student with a concern about using the Turnitin service may opt to use an anonymous identity in their interactions with Turnitin. Students who do not intend to use Turnitin in the standard manner must notify the instructor at least two weeks in advance of any submission deadline. In particular, it is the responsibility of any student using the anonymous option (i.e. false name and temporary e-mail address created for the purpose) to inform the instructor such that the instructor can match up the anonymous identity with the student.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students are expected to have access to a computer with which to access readings, and to upload assignments.

REQUIRED READING:

Philosophy: Asking Questions — Seeking Answers
Stephen Stich and Tom Donaldson
An online version is available through the SFU bookstore. (I have assigned this book before, so you may be able to borrow a textbook from another philosophy student.)


ISBN: 9780199329960

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 for 2021 and Spring 2022. 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 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 SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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 may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.