Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - PHIL 150 B100

Great Works in the History of Philosophy (3)

Class Number: 6626

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of some classic texts in the history of philosophy. See the course outline for more detail on the specific figures and themes covered. Open to all students. Students with credit for PHIL 151 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, we will explore essential texts from both Western and Chinese philosophy, and engage with some of the most compelling ideas that have shaped philosophical thought throughout history. We will carefully read through Plato’s dialogues, the ethics of Confucius, the skepticism of Zhuangzi, and the correspondence between Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia and Descartes. With these authors, we will explore some of the earliest attempts to tackle fundamental questions about morality, existence, and knowledge, while also unpacking their contemporary relevance.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 150 may be applied towards the Breadth-Humanities Requirement.

Goals:

  1. develop students’ awareness of some of the key themes in the Western and non-Western philosophical traditions
  2. master details of arguments relating to some of these themes
  3. develop skills for analysing the detailed arguments found in primary sources
  4. develop communication skills and learn to pitch ideas to an educated but non-expert audience.

Videos: Why Study Philosophy? and Meet our professors!

Grading

  • Mid-term essay, 1000 words in length 30%
  • Final essay, 1200-1500 words in length 40%
  • Final paper presentation 20%
  • Attendance 10%

NOTES:

A one-on-one presentation with the instructor is required. Students must present their final paper proposals in the form of an academic talk (25 to 30 minutes per person, depending on enrollment numbers). This component is designed to help students develop their communication skills and receive direct feedback from the instructor before writing their final papers.

Blended delivery: 2 hours in class and 1 hour of asynchronous delivery outside of class.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Plato: Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo. ISBN-10: 0872206335 ; ISBN-13: 978-0872206335

All other texts will be made available on Canvas by the 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 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.