Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - PHIL 100W D900

Knowledge and Reality (3)

Class Number: 6344

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Surrey

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 or PHIL 300 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an opportunity to take universal questions and explore ways philosophers have tried to answer them. We will offer our own answers and think about the future of these questions in an often surprising and mysterious world:

  • How can we live well?
  • What exists?
  • What can we know?
  • How should we make decisions?
  • Who are we?
  • How can we make sense of what we experience?
  • What does it all mean?
  • Is death the end?

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Students will receive ongoing guidance with their academic reading comprehension.
  • Students will develop academic writing skills through practice, revision, and reflection.
  • Students will develop analytical skills regarding the precise meaning and construction of philosophical arguments.
  • Students will have the opportunity to identify and develop their philosophical intuitions and views.
  • Students will be introduced to a wide variety of philosophical views regarding complex topics.
  • Students will be introduced to a range of areas of philosophical research.
PHIL 100W may be applied towards the Writing Requirement and the Breadth-Humanities Requirement.

Videos: Why Study Philosophy? and Meet our professors!

Grading

  • Assignments (3 at 15% each) 45%
  • Essay draft 15%
  • Essay final 20%
  • Weekly response to lecture materials submitted online graded on pass/fail basis 10%
  • Weekly written reflections submitted online graded on pass/fail basis 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All texts provided by the instructor via Canvas.


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 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.