Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - PHIL 100W D100

Knowledge and Reality (3)

Class Number: 3100

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to some of the central problems of philosophy. Topics to be discussed include the different theories of reality; the nature and sources of knowledge, truth, evidence, and reason; the justification of belief and knowledge about the universe. These topics and problems will be considered as they arise in the context of issues such as: relativism versus absolutism; the existence of God; personal identity; the nature of the mind and its relation to the body; free will and determinism; the possibility of moral knowledge. Open to all students. Students with credit for PHIL 100 or PHIL 300 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Do we live in a computer simulation? If we do, is that terrible or meh?
Are there parallel universes? If there are, do they have “other yous” in them?
Is humanity doomed? Do we owe it to people who might live a billion years in the future to not go extinct?
What are scientific theories for? What are thought experiments?
How is your mind related to your brain? To your phone? To the neural implant you’ll have in a few years?
What are the minds of animals like and how could we ever know? Could these inquiries help us grapple with the very real near-term possibility of machine minds?
Could AI ever produce great art or will it all be slop?

This course is an introduction to philosophy through a wide selection of lively topics covering the ultimate nature of reality and problems of knowledge. All of our readings (and podcasts and videos) will be contemporary. We will not study The Works of the Great Dead Philosophers, though we will encounter some important ideas and thinkers from the past. We’ll engage directly with the problems, concepts, arguments, and theories through their most accessible recent presentations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 100W may be applied towards the Writing Requirement and the Breadth-Humanities Requirement.

Video: Why Study Philosophy? Check out our philosophical news 

Grading

  • In-class Written Assignment 20%
  • Multi-Stage Written Assignment 35%
  • Final Exam 35%
  • Tutorial (Participation) 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Supplied through 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.