Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PHIL 326 E100

Topics in Law and Philosophy (3)

Knowledge & Communication

Class Number: 5919

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores in detail classic problems in the law using the methods and resources of philosophy. Topics may include: problems in professional ethics facing lawyers; philosophical issues in international law and human rights; constitutional interpretation and the philosophy of language; the assessment of evidence and formal epistemology; the intellectual origins of the theory of natural law and natural rights; or others. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics in Law and Philosophy: Knowledge and Communication (Speech and Information)

Law-making and legal processes are constantly shaped by information and communication. In turn, the law regulates and influences what information we have and how we communicate. In fact, it’s common to defend particular speech and information policies by suggesting that they’re important for democracy. This course explores the relationship between knowledge, information, communication, and the law by considering questions like the following:

• What role should experts and scientists play in policy-making in a democracy?

• Can misinformation on social media be controlled while respecting freedom of speech?

• Can it be valuable for online platforms to allow anonymous speech?

• Does freedom of speech lead to better political decisions?

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 326 is required for students doing a Philosophy Major or Minor with a Concentration in Law and Philosophy. It may also be applied towards the Certificate in Ethics. 

Course assignments will focus on helping students to analyze the arguments in course readings, to develop well-supported critiques of those arguments, and to defend those analyses in clearly written papers.

Grading

  • One 4-5 page paper 30%
  • One 8-10 page paper (preceded by a paper proposal; see below) 50%
  • One in-class writing exercise 5%
  • Quality of course engagement (quality of contributions to class discussion, including in break-out groups + quality of weekly in-class worksheets and paper proposal) 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available on the course’s Canvas page. There are no textbooks to purchase.

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.