Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PHIL 356 B100

18th Century Philosophy (3)

Class Number: 5941

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

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

  • Prerequisites:

    One prior philosophy course (not including PHIL 105, PHIL 110, PHIL 310, PHIL 314, or PHIL 315).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of some central issues of 18th century philosophy. Themes may include the development of the theory of ideas and epistemology associated with it. The primary focus may include important figures such as Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Condillac. Students with credit for PHIL 355 prior to Fall 2006 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will examine some of the most important metaphysical, epistemological, natural-philosophical, and methodological questions prevalent during the 18th century. We will discuss differing conceptions of reality, God, the limits of knowledge, scientific methodology, the notions of causality, space and time. The majority of our attention will be devoted to the following figures: Leibniz, Du Châtelet, Hume and Kant.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Students will gain familiarity with major figures, views, and debates in 18th century philosophy.
  • Students will critically and charitably engage with the primary and secondary literature.
  • Students will gain improved proficiency in philosophical writing, defend arguments relating to course themes, and independently develop a paper project out of the course content.

Grading

  • Attendance 20%
  • Short responses (3x5%) 15%
  • Final paper proposal and oral defence 20%
  • Final paper 30%
  • Final paper revision 15%

NOTES:

Students will be required to defend their paper proposals one-on-one with the instructor before beginning work on their final papers.

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.