Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - PHIL 203 D100

Metaphysics (3)

Class Number: 2154

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2021
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 100W (or equivalent), 120W (or equivalent), 121, 144, 150, 151, or COGS 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of central problems of metaphysics such as space and time, universals and particulars, substance, identity and individuation and personal identity.

COURSE DETAILS:

Metaphysics is the study of the basic components of the world and their relation to one another. The aim of this course is to give students a rigorous introduction to a set of key metaphysical positions and arguments that shape historical and contemporary philosophical discourse. We shall begin by inquiring about the method of metaphysics: what is the job of a metaphysical theory? We shall look at Quine’s influential answer to this question and several critiques of Quine’s view. With this methodological question in the background, we shall then examine a core set of metaphysical topics, including identity, modality, the relation between mind and body, causation, free will and the metaphysics of race and gender. We shall read pieces by Lewis, Kripke, Adams, Fine, Schaffer, Kim and others and we shall occasionally seek out the historical roots of the primarily contemporary positions we discuss in philosophers like Leibniz and Hume.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 203 is a required course for the for the Philosophy Major and the Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate. 

Grading

  • The Levels: a series of short writing assignments done throughout the semester 30%
  • One term paper 35%
  • A final exam 35%

NOTES:

Course delivery: remote, synchronous. Attendance is not a component of student grades, but attendance at all sessions is highly recommended.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students must have access to internet and a computer/other device that permits streaming video, word processing and teleconferencing with Zoom.

REQUIRED READING:

Alyssa Ney, Metaphysics: An Introduction. , Routledge, ISBN-13: 978-0-415-64075-6
All other readings will be made available to the students via the SFU library website or through Canvas.


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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

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).