Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - PHIL 302 B100

Topics in Epistemology and Metaphysics (3)

Philosophy of Machine Learning

Class Number: 7000

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PHIL 201 or 203.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An exploration of philosophical issues concerning, e.g.: causation, time, modality, or the self; the realism/nominalism or realism/idealism debate; relativism; the concept of truth; naturalized epistemology; global epistemological skepticism or perhaps a 'local' form of skepticism such as skepticism about induction or about sensory belief. May be repeated for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topic: Philosophy of Machine Learning

NOTE: Fills SDA elective requirement but requires special approval from SDA advisor.

NOTE: This course is offered as blended, with 2 hours of lecture per week, and 1 hour of asynchronous online work. 

Description: This class introduces students to central issues within the philosophy of machine learning. Topics include the nature of computing, the problem of transparency and explainability, and the ethics of automated decision-making.

Grading

  • Weekly Online Assignments 30%
  • Weekly In-Class Writing 20%
  • Term Paper 50%

NOTES:

The asynchronous hour will be spent engaging in guided reading comprehension exercises which will constitute 30% of the total grade (as “weekly online assignments”).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

A series of published papers. All available through the SFU library or posted on Canvas.


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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.