Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PHIL 144 B100

Introduction to Philosophy of Science (3)

Class Number: 6001

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to philosophical issues concerning the nature of science. Topics to be discussed include the distinction between science and pseudo-science, the nature of scientific method, the nature of explanation in the natural and social sciences, the phenomenon of scientific change, the relationship between scientific theory and observation, and the objectivity of social science. Students with credit for PHIL 244 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will provide an introduction to philosophy of science by combing historical and contemporary perspectives. We will consider the trajectory of how science as we now think of it came to be, how new ideas and new technologies transformed major worldviews into what we now recognize as the beginnings of modern science. The historical part of this course will begin with the physics of Aristotle, look at important episodes in the development of science such as the work of Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton and the creation of a framework for modern physics. We will look at the development of a scientific approach to biology and the central philosophical, scientific, and social issues surrounding developments in science such as Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection and the development of the microscope. We will also look at the philosophical issues related to measurement and the development of new instrumentation, and the interconnection of applications of new scientific knowledge with abstract theoretical and conceptual innovations. Historical episodes will provide the jumping-off point to consider examples of the same issues in contemporary science and the role of new technologies driving advances in human knowledge and changes to our understanding of our place in the cosmos.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 144 may be applied towards the Certificate in Philosophy and Methodology of Science, and the Breadth-Humanities Requirement OR the Breadth-Social Sciences Requirement (but not both; student can choose which Breadth requirement to satisfy and plan enrollment in other courses accordingly).

The writing assignments in this course will be oriented towards improving the precision and conciseness of student writing.

Grading

  • Completion of weekly online video material, readings, and small stakes quizzes 20%
  • Weekly in-class writing [cumulatively for the term] 60%
  • Final (written mid-length responses) 20%

NOTES:

Course is Blended. There will be online modules to complete each week prior to the two weekly one hour in-person meetings.

REQUIREMENTS:

Written work for this course will be submitted via Turnitin, a third party service licensed for use by SFU. Turnitin is used for originality checking to help detect plagiarism. Students will be required to create an account with Turnitin, and to submit their work via that account, on the terms stipulated in the agreement between the student and Turnitin. This agreement includes the retention of your submitted work as part of the Turnitin database. Any student with a concern about using the Turnitin service may opt to use an anonymous identity in their interactions with Turnitin. Students who do not intend to use Turnitin in the standard manner must notify the instructor at least two weeks in advance of any submission deadline. In particular, it is the responsibility of any student using the anonymous option (i.e. false name and temporary e-mail address created for the purpose) to inform the instructor such that the instructor can match up the anonymous identity with the student.

AI policy: The course involves improving writing skills, and as such, there is a policy of zero use of AI for writing assignments. Writing assignments will be scaffolded through weekly in-class writing projects completed in person.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available in electronic through the Library or will be made available as PDFs.

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.