Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PHIL 150 D900

Great Works in the History of Philosophy (3)

Class Number: 4140

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Instructor:

    Schuyler Pringle

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:

Philosophers have long grappled with questions such as: What is right and wrong? Does God exist? What makes life valuable? Yet one of the most pressing issues has always been how people with diverse beliefs and values can live together in a just society. This course explores major works in the Western philosophical tradition that address this question. Beginning with Plato and Aristotle and concluding with John Rawls’ modern political philosophy, we will examine and critically assess differing visions of the good society and the principles that should guide our common life. While the course focuses on Western traditions, students are encouraged to reflect on the universality and limits of these approaches in relation to contemporary social and political life.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

  • Identify and explain central questions, arguments, and concepts in major works of Western philosophy from Plato to Rawls.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with philosophical reading and discussion, including interpreting complex texts and engaging thoughtfully with diverse viewpoints.
  • Construct clear, reasoned arguments – both orally and in writing – showing an emerging ability to communicate ideas at an academic level.
  • Recognize and evaluate their own assumptions and beliefs in light of philosophical arguments studied in the course.

PHIL 150 may be applied towards the Breadth-Humanities Requirement. It is a required course for the Philosophy Major. 

Video: Why Study Philosophy?

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • 3 short writing assignments (first 5%, second 5%, third 15%) 25%
  • In-person mid-term exam 25%
  • In-person final exam 35%

NOTES:

About participation: Students will be evaluated on the basis of attendance, contribution to in-class discussion, office hour discussion, and in-class writing assignments.

About the 3 short writing assignments:

  • The first (5%) will be summarizing an author’s view in response to a given prompt.
  • The second (5%) will be the first assignment improved from feedback.
  • The third (15%) will be a compare and contrast between two authors, with an argument for why one has a better view than the other.

REQUIREMENTS:

Written work for this course will be submitted via Turnitin, a third party service licensed for use by SFU. Turnitin is used for originality checking to help detect plagiarism. Students will be required to create an account with Turnitin, and to submit their work via that account, on the terms stipulated in the agreement between the student and Turnitin. This agreement includes the retention of your submitted work as part of the Turnitin database. Any student with a concern about using the Turnitin service may opt to use an anonymous identity in their interactions with Turnitin. Students who do not intend to use Turnitin in the standard manner must notify the instructor at least two weeks in advance of any submission deadline. In particular, it is the responsibility of any student using the anonymous option (i.e. false name and temporary e-mail address created for the purpose) to inform the instructor such that the instructor can match up the anonymous identity with the student.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students must bring writing utensils and have access to internet and a computer/other in order to hand in assignments.

REQUIRED READING:

There will be no formal text for this class. All written materials will be supplied online, using the syllabus to provide links to the required articles.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.