Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - PHIL 150 D900

History of Philosophy I (3)

Class Number: 4674

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2017
    Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of philosophic thought from late antiquity to the Renaissance. Special attention will be given to the works of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas. The views of these great thinkers have helped to shape the ways in which we see the world. This course is therefore recommended to everyone with an interest in our intellectual heritage. Open to all students. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Suppose that one were of a reflective disposition, and wondered exactly what one's situation is in the world—to make sense of it—to ask “What's going on?” One immediately sees that the attempt to answer such a question raises more questions. Why are we here? What sort of place is here? What sort of things are we? What is our relationship to 'here'? What then would be the best way to go about being here, or go about living? Do we have a purpose for being here? If so, what is it? And is it related to how to live best? How can we know any of this?  And so on.

In this course we will be examining how Philosophers in Ancient Greece and Rome approached and answered these questions. We will primarily focus upon the works of Plato and Aristotle, but we will also discuss two of the philosophical traditions that came later--Epicureanism and Stoicism.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 150 may be applied towards the Certificate in Liberal Arts and the  Breadth-Humanities Requirement.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Short Assignments 10%
  • Mid-terms (2 at 25% each) 50%
  • Final exam 30%

NOTES:

Participation grade will be assessed on the basis of both attendance and contributions to class discussion.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Miller, Patrick Lee, C.D.C. Reeve, and Lloyd P. Gerson, eds., Introductory Readings in Greek and Roman Philosophy, 2nd edition, Hackett. ISBN: 978-1624663529

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS