Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - PHIL 455W D100

Contemporary Issues in Epistemology and Metaphysics (4)

The Emotions

Class Number: 4016

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Two 300 division PHIL courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

May be repeated for credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topic: The Emotions

 [Note: this course is to be taught concurrently with PHIL 805.]

The emotions are a time-honoured subject in philosophy, and more recently in psychology and neuroscience. Despite this long interest, the major questions about the emotions remain open. For example, we’ve yet to resolve the most basic ontological and epistemic questions. On the ontological front, we ask: What IS an emotion? What kinds of emotions are there? Are there basic emotions? How do they relate to other types of psychological states? Are emotions intentional states? On the epistemic front, equally basic questions are still unanswered. What access do we have to our own emotions? What access do we have to the emotions of other people — do they correlate with or cause our repertoire of emotional expressions? What do emotions tell us about the world or ourselves, if anything? How do they do so?

In this seminar, we’ll be casting a wide net in our search for answers to these questions, from theories based upon introspection and the observation of human and animal behaviour, to some contemporary theories in neurophysiology and cognitive psychology. For the most part, recent philosophical theories of the emotions (as opposed to more historical ones) are each mirrored by counterparts within neurophysiology and cognitive psychology—a strange coincidence given that most neuroscientists aren’t big readers in philosophy of mind. One exception to this rule is Ralph Adolphs, now a professor of neuroscience at Cal Tech, but earlier in his life, a student in philosophy at UBC (but let’s not hold that against him). We’ll start with his recent book, The Neuroscience of Emotion, which is written for the well-educated non-neuroscientist, so suitable for students who lack a background in the neurosciences. This is a short book, and we’ll use it as a means into some more basic on the emotions, taking up some standard theories/debates. What comes next is…. well, there are a few options and I’ll be consulting with students in the class to see which further topics we want to pursue.

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.

By the end of the seminar, students should be able to:

  • classify theories of the emotions
  • understand the epistemic and ontological consequences of various theories
  • understand what it would mean, roughly speaking, to instantiate a theory of the emotions in neural software
  • learn to read course-related neuroscientific and psychological research articles and understand their implications for understanding the emotions
  • complete a term project that integrates empirical results with philosophical/theoretical questions.

Grading

  • Term Project (Prospectus + Research + Final Presentation/Written Summary) 80%
  • ‘Oral’ questions 20%

NOTES:

Based upon our current projections for the pandemic, this seminar will take place in person on the Burnaby campus (my first chance to teach in person!!). As I am immune-compromised, students will be asked to wear masks to class. Should the pandemic situation change for the worse, the class may switch to a Zoom format. There will be a two-week period during which I will be away and conduct the class by Zoom. Details to follow.

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. All students will be completing a single project throughout the term, in delineated stages, culminating with a class presentation. Undergraduates and graduates may do single or group projects, whichever they choose.
  2. Grad students will be expected to lead at least one class on a weekly reading.
  3. In addition, questions will be given out prior to each week’s readings and undergraduate students must prepare a brief answer — basically an easy way to start the discussion. Although all students are expected to do each week’s reading, each undergraduate student will be given several ‘passes’ from answering a weekly question to reduce the burden/stress of preparing every week.
Although these requirements might seem entirely ‘oral’, grades will be not assigned on the oral presentations per se, but on the written counterparts of each requirement. Grades for the grad presentations will be based on the written notes provided to the class; final term projects must be handed in, in written form. within one week of presentation; even the weekly oral answers can be written down and read if you feel that you can express yourself better this way. (Bonus points will be given for any especially lively presentations!)

Given the enormity of the topic, and the reach of the class across philosophy and the empirical sciences, the idea is to share what each of us is doing and thinking with the other seminar members, and thereby cover more ground without more work. (Oh, the joys of collective labour!)

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students must have access to internet and a computer/other device that permits streaming video, word processing and teleconferencing with Zoom.

REQUIRED READING:

All class materials will be available electronically through the SFU library, including the recent text by Adolphs and Anderson.

Adolphs, Ralph; Anderson, David J, Princeton: Princeton University Press 2018.   https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/lib/sfu-ebooks/detail.action?docID=5346263

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 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 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

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, online, or blended courses 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 summer 2022 term.