Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PHIL 321 D100

Topics in Moral Philosophy (3)

The Fragility of Goodness

Class Number: 4215

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An advanced investigation of central issues and theories in moral philosophy. In any given term, the course may focus on a general theory or concept or concern, for example meta-ethics, utilitarianism, or theories of rights. Sometimes it will focus on a particular problem or problems, such as medical ethics, moral personhood, or free will and moral responsibility. May be repeated for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics in Moral Philosophy: The Fragility of Goodness

If space permitted, the course title would be “Fiction, Fate, and the Fragility of Goodness.” The overall theme of the course has to do with how many of the commonly held constituents of a “good life” – autonomy, freedom, happiness, and meaningfulness – are vulnerable to the vicissitudes of fate and circumstance. In exploring this theme, we will look at works of both philosophy and fiction. Philosophically, we will focus on Martha Nussbaum’s work on the role of luck in Greek tragedy and philosophy, and Susan Wolf’s work on meaningfulness, the good life, moral luck, and the moral emotions. The design of the course will depend heavily on student participation and in-class discussion, so enroll only if you are committed to regular in-person attendance and small group discussion.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 321 may be applied towards the Certificate in Ethics and the Concentration in Law and Philosophy.
This course may be repeated for credit if the topic is different, but not in the same term.

 

Grading

  • Two papers (30% each) 60%
  • Final project 15%
  • Series of low-stakes writing 10%
  • Leading group discussion 10%
  • Attendance 5%

NOTES:

Written work for this course will be submitted via Turnitin, a third party service licensed for use by SFU. Turnitin is used for originality checking to help detect plagiarism. Students will be required to create an account with Turnitin, and to submit their work via that account, on the terms stipulated in the agreement between the student and Turnitin. This agreement includes the retention of your submitted work as part of the Turnitin database. Any student with a concern about using the Turnitin service may opt to use an anonymous identity in their interactions with Turnitin. Students who do not intend to use Turnitin in the standard manner must notify the instructor at least two weeks in advance of any submission deadline. In particular, it is the responsibility of any student using the anonymous option (i.e. false name and temporary e-mail address created for the purpose) to inform the instructor such that the instructor can match up the anonymous identity with the student.

Materials

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.