Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PHIL 120W D100

Moral and Legal Problems (3)

Class Number: 5886

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A critical examination of a range of moral and legal issues we confront in our dealings with the state and our fellow human beings, such as: Is it wrong to break the law? Should pornography and recreational drugs be illegal? Do animals have rights? Is there a duty to admit immigrants? Are there duties to the world's poor? Are indigenous peoples owed reparations? Students with credit for PHIL 120 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will provide an introduction to moral, political, and legal philosophy, with a focus on relations between the individual, the community, and the state. Drawing on both classic and contemporary materials we will consider such questions as: What kind of authority does the law have over its subjects? When is it permissible for the state to coerce or punish? What should we do when legal obligations conflict with other obligations, like moral or familial obligations? What is the nature of political community, and who deserves membership? How should a political community manage internal differences and disagreements? By engaging with questions like these we will develop the abilities to analyze problems rigorously and identify their philosophical components; to think creatively and critically about possible solutions to those problems and their relative merits; and to articulate and defend ethical positions clearly and persuasively.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 120W may be applied towards the Writing Requirement, and the Breadth-Humanities Requirement. The course is strongly recommended for students intending to pursue a Philosophy Major or Minor (especially with the Law and Philosophy concentration), or the Certificate in Ethics.

Video: Why Study Philosophy? Check out our philosophical news 

Grading

  • In-class written exercises 10%
  • First essay exam (in-person) 25%
  • Second essay exam (in-person) 25%
  • Final essay exam (in-person) 30%
  • Quality of tutorial engagement, including attendance and participation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be made available on 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 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.