Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - PHIL 315 D100

Formal Methods (3)

Class Number: 7327

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2024
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of: PHIL 110, 210, 310, 314, MACM 101, BUEC 232, BUS 232, or STAT 270.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of formal methods used in philosophy. Topics will include some of the following: propositional logic, predicate logic, formal syntax, formal semantics, the probability calculus, decision theory, game theory and formal causal modeling. Students with credit for COGS 315 cannot take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

[Note: this course is to be taught concurrently with COGS 315.]

This course expands upon the traditional training in logic by introducing students to three paradigms of formal rationality: deductive logic, probabilistic reasoning, and group dynamics. We will survey the following methods: propositional logic, dynamic epistemic logic, probability theory, decision theory, classical and evolutionary game theory, voting theory, and network epistemology. Alongside these formal methods, we will also think philosophically about the strengths, limitations, and roles of formal theories of rationality and decision making.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course is also an elective for students doing a Minor in Social Data Analytics (SDA).

Grading

  • Midterms (2 x 25% each) - in person. There will be two in-class midterm exams associated with the first two units of the course. Exams are non-cumulative. 50%
  • Final exam – in person. It is non-cumulative (covers the last unit only) and just like the midterms in terms of the scale. 25%
  • Short reflective essay: a short (~4 pages) essay where you compare and contrast the three rationality approaches covered in the class. 25%

NOTES:



Materials

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.

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

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 term 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.