Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - PHIL 802 G100

Selected Topics in Epistemology (5)

Social Epistemology

Class Number: 5807

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Topic: Social Epistemology

[Note: this course is to be taught concurrently with PHIL 455W.]

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 is an advanced course on current issues in political epistemology. Our starting point will be the epistemology of democracy, as well as public information exchange and collective decision-making more broadly. Further topics might include the phenomenon of “belief polarization,” the role of media (including social media), the commodification and politicization of expertise, and the potential pitfalls of “doing your own research.”

The format of the course will be a bit experimental and open-ended. In particular, there's a good chance that some readings will be drawn from the instructor’s own work in progress. Other readings will be weighted toward contemporary discussions but might also include some classic sources for reference.

Please note that this is a research-oriented seminar: it is expected that every student will make regular contributions to classroom discussion and to the online discussion board. They will also be required to frame their own original research project (with input from instructor) and to make a brief presentation of this project during class.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Successful completion of this course will satisfy the "M&E Stream" distribution requirement toward the MA degree for Philosophy graduate students.

Grading

  • Participation: regular contributions to in-class discussion 5%
  • Weekly discussion questions submitted to Canvas prior to class 10%
  • Provision of peer feedback on term paper drafts from two other students 10%
  • Final term paper, including first draft and revisions in light of peer feedback 60%
  • In-class presentation of research project (roughly 10 minutes, plus discussion) 15%

REQUIREMENTS:

N/A (will not be using Turnitin)

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings are available online, or will be supplied by the instructor.

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.

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 website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester 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.