Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2024 - PHIL 467W D100

Seminar II (4)

Sensations

Class Number: 3662

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Two 300-division PHIL courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

May be repeated for credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Sensations

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

The notion of sensations has a long and complex history. In theories of perception, philosophers as well as psychologists have traditionally subscribed to a three-part sensation-perception-cognition taxonomy. Sensations are supposed to comprise the initial stage of the process of perception: what the sensory transducers provide our perceptual system as the basis of its inference-like processing to conclusions about the world around us They are the way colours, sounds, tastes, smells, etc. appear to us; what perceptual consciousness consists in.

We will look at some of the historical roots of the notion of sensation, arguments for their existence, and some of the philosophical arguments that sensations have played a role in such as the argument from illusion and once again physicalism based on qualia. But the main aim of the course is to explore whether the notion of sensation is a coherent one. I want to at least suggest that there are no sensations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course may be applied towards the Writing Requirement (and the upper division Writing Requirement for Philosophy majors)

Grading

  • Participation, including 6 reading summaries 15%
  • Short paper (5pp) 25%
  • Long paper with proposal, draft (not graded) 5%
  • Final version (10-12pp) 55%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All materials will be available on 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 philcomm@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

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