Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - PHIL 201 D100

Epistemology (3)

Class Number: 6349

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2025
    Tue, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 100, 100W, 120, 120W, 121, 144, 150, 151, 300, or COGS 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A critical overview of recent accounts of the nature and scope of human knowledge and of justified or rational belief, and of philosophical issues that these accounts are intended to address. Students who have taken PHIL 301 cannot take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to the core philosophical area known as epistemology: the study of knowledge and related concepts. We will explore recent attempts to answer questions like: What is knowledge? What distinguishes knowledge from belief? Are there things we can't know? Does context affect what counts as knowledge? What's the role of knowledge in science? What can cognitive science tell us about knowledge? How is knowledge communicated between individuals? Do social values shape our conception of knowledge?

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 201 is a required course for the Philosophy Major and the Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate. 

Grading

  • Weekly in-class reading responses 40%
  • Three homework assignments (10% each) 30%
  • Final exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required text: Goldman, A. I., & McGrath, M. (2015). Epistemology: A contemporary introduction. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780199981120, 0199981124

All additional readings and course materials will be made available on 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.