Professor Matthew Leisinger

mleising@yorku.ca

This course is an advanced introduction to incompatibilism, the view that free will is incompatible with determinism—if determinism is true, then free will is impossible. We will examine the arguments for incompatibilism, the possibility of articulating an incompatibilist-libertarian account of free will, and the consequences of denying free will. AP/PHIL 2170 is recommended as background but not required.

Technical requirements for taking the course:

This is a remotely delivered course. We will meet once per week via Zoom. In order to participate in the course, students will require (1) the Zoom application, (2) a stable, higher-speed Internet connection, and (3) a working microphone (webcam preferred but optional).

Times and locations:

M: 2:30-5:30

Please note that this is a course that depends on remote teaching and learning. There will be no in-person interactions or activities on campus. All meetings will take place online via Zoom.

We are scheduled to meet Mondays from 2:30-5:30 pm, but meetings will normally end early (between 4:30 and 5:00).

Virtual office hours:

TBD (online via Zoom)

All readings will be made available online via eClass

Discussion: 10%

Paper-writing workshops: 15%

First paper (1000-2000 words): 25%

Second paper (2000-3000 words): 50%

This is a remotely delivered course. We will meet once per week via Zoom. All assignments will be submitted online via eClass or email.

• To familiarize students with contemporary arguments for and accounts of incompatibilism about free will
• To develop students’ ability to analyze and formulate philosophical arguments
• To develop students’ ability to plan and write advanced philosophy papers

Course policies

Grading:  The grading scheme for the course conforms to the 9-point grading system used in undergraduate programs at York (e.g., A+ = 9, A = 8, B+ - 7, C+ = 5, etc.).  Each assignment will bear either a letter grade designation or a corresponding number grade (e.g.  A+ = 90 to 100, A = 80 to 90, B+ = 75 to 79, etc.)

(For a full description of York grading system see the York University Undergraduate Calendar - http://calendars.registrar.yorku.ca/2010-2011/academic/index.htm

Assignment Submission: Proper academic performance depends on students doing their work not only well, but on time.  Accordingly, assignments for this course must be received on the due date specified for the assignment.  All assignments are to be handed in via eClass.

Lateness Penalty: Late submissions will be accepted for written assignments but will be penalized one-half letter grade per day. Exceptions to the lateness penalty for valid reasons such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., may be entertained by the Instructor but will in some cases require supporting documentation (e.g., a doctor’s letter).

Missed Assignments:  Students with a documented reason for missing a course assignment, such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., which is confirmed by supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s letter) may request accommodation from the Course Instructor.