Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PHIL 270 D100

Data, Ethics and Society (3)

Class Number: 4126

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to the ethical, legal, and privacy issues surrounding the collection and use of big data and the implications of these for vulnerable populations. Students with credit for SDA 270 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

[Note: this course is to be taught concurrently with SDA 270.]

This class introduces students to philosophical issues surrounding using social data (data about people) to understand society’s problems, formulate responses, and assess the efficacy of those responses. Topics include: what kind of evidence do we need in order to claim that a social practice is discriminatory? What kind of study can tell us if a proposed social reform is going to be effective? Is it possible to measure social facts objectively, and what to do if the answer is “no”?

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course is required for the Social Data Analytics Minor, and will also be of special interest to Philosophy students. 

Grading

  • Weekly assignments 30%
  • In-class writing 10%
  • Midterm (in person) 30%
  • Final (take home) 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All texts are available online.

 


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.