Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - PHIL 802 G100

Selected Topics in Epistemology (5)

Justifying Principles

Class Number: 4947

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Justifying Principles
[Note: this course is to be taught concurrently with PHIL 435.]

Important note regarding enrollment: All seats are reserved for Philosophy Graduate students. Enrollments from other departments will be considered only upon submission of the Graduate Course Add Form, and with instructor's permission. All such enrollments will be done in or after the first week of classes.

This course is about how we are to become justified in accepting what are sometimes called “principles” or “axioms”: general truths that are thought to be, in some sense, starting points or presuppositions for inquiry. (Examples typically include logical or metaphysical claims, like the Principle of Non-Contradiction or the Causal Principle that every alteration has a cause.) We will try to consider the most influential strategies, especially those from the Aristotelian, Cartesian, and Kantian traditions, both in their original statements and as they figure in contemporary discussions.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Successful completion of this course will satisfy the “Metaphysics and Epistemology” distribution requirement toward the MA degree for Philosophy graduate students.

Grading

  • The grade is determined by one final paper. 100%
  • To pass the course, participants must lead the discussion during scheduled class time at least once during the semester.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Computer and internet access will be required to access the material.  When leading the discussion, a microphone is required so that we can hear you speak.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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.