Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Department of Philosophy

Department of Philosophy / Courses / Archives / Spring 2014 (1141) / PHIL 333
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PHIL 333 ST:  Responses to Skepticism

Spring Semester 2014 | Day | Burnaby

 

INSTRUCTOR: David Anderson, WMC 5605 (david.anderson@sfu.ca)

REQUIRED TEXTS

  • DeRose, Keith and Warfield, Ted (eds.). Skepticism: A Contemporary Reader.  OUP: ISBN: 978-0195118278
    • Additional Readings to be distributed through Canvas.

RECOMMENDED TEXT

  • Vaughn, Lewis and J.S. McIntosh. 2009. Writing Philosophy: A Guide for Canadian Students. OUP, ISBN 978-0195446746

COURSE DESCRIPTION

One does not need to study philosophy long before one encounters some surprisingly powerful arguments for the radical conclusion that we do not know anything about the external world.  Considering how to respond to those arguments serves as an excellent framework for studying some advanced developments in contemporary epistemology.  Whether or not we find a satisfying answer to the skeptic, our study promises to teach us much about the mind’s relation to the world.


COURSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Class participation – 5%
  • Weekly reading responses - 15%
  • Two In-Class Midterms – 15% and 20% 
  • Final Paper– 45%


NOTE: Students will be required to submit written work to turnitin.com, for plagiarism-checking and also, possibly, for anonymous peer review or as the basis for class discussion.

Prerequisites: One of PHIL 100 or 144.  PHIL 201 is strongly recommended.