Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - PHIL 300 E200

Introduction to Philosophy (3)

Class Number: 4564

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 20, 2020
    Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Location: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    At least 60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introductory course specifically intended for students in other departments who have at least 60 units. This course is more advanced than 100 and 200 division courses and is of interest to students not only in the humanities, but also in the natural and social sciences. This course does not count towards the upper division requirements for a student pursuing a minor, major, or honours program in philosophy. Normally, students with credit for PHIL 100 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course we cover a number of important issues in philosophy. These include well known topics such as Free Will, the problem of knowledge, the Mind/Body problem - These are interesting problems, focusing us in understanding (or recognizing the limits of our understanding) the nature of our physical interactions with the world we experience. We will also consider a number of challenging issues relevant to our social lives: the meaning of life and the meaning death. And finally we will think about issues that seem to tear at our attempts to live peacefully: the meaning of race and of gender and the nature of justice!

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

- Recognizing and explaining key concepts, articulating their meaning and placing them in their appropriate context
- Identifying key arguments placing them in their appropriate context with respect to authorship
- Reconstructing and critically analyzing key arguments for soundness and validity
- Articulating the key themes found within the class in a well structured essay
- Critically comparing various theories showing their strengths and weaknesses and critically extending arguments to novel cases and problems not found within the text

PHIL 300 may be applied towards the Breadth-Humanities Requirement.

If you are a Philosophy Major or Minor: PHIL 300 will not count towards your upper division requirements. For everyone else: PHIL 300 will count as an upper division elective. 

Grading

  • Essay 35%
  • Take Home Midterm 25%
  • Take Home Final Exam 35%
  • Participation (Measured by three online reflections) 5%

REQUIREMENTS:

This course occurs asynchronously. I will provide lectures via canvas (i.e. voice over powerpoint slides) that the student can access at their leisure. It will be necessary that the student have a computer and a reliable internet connection (dial-up or high speed modem suffice) to download lectures; submit assignments; and complete reflection assignments to satisfy participation requirements (done via canvas as well). Thus access to canvas will be crucial for completion of the course.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

It will be necessary that the student have a computer and a reliable internet connection (dial-up or high speed modem suffice) to download lectures; submit assignments; and complete reflection assignments to satisfy participation requirements (done via canvas as well). Thus access to canvas will be crucial for completion of the course.

REQUIRED READING:

Thomas Nagel, "What Does It All Mean?: A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy," Oxford University Press. (ISBN: 0192854259)

Selected readings that will be available through the university library website.

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 philmgr@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.