Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PHIL 322 D100

History of Ethics (3)

Class Number: 4208

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 150, 151, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of an issue or selection of issues in the history of moral or political philosophy. Historical readings will be the primary focus and may include important figures such as Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, and Kant.

COURSE DETAILS:

Philosophy of Simone Weil: this course will focus on the early 20th century French philosopher Simone Weil. We will read and discuss her writings and the classical philosophical texts that influenced her, including the Iliad, the Bhagavad-Gītā, and Plato’s Republic.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 322 is one of the electives for the Philosophy Major(where it can count towards either the Ethics or the History requirement),  or for the Philosophy Major or Minor with a Concentration in Law and Philosophy. It may also be applied towards the Certificate in Ethics: Theory and Application,  and the Joint Major in Business, Philosophy and the Law

Grading

  • Participation (attendance, discussion, and in-class writing) 20%
  • Writing Assignment #1 40%
  • Writing Assignment #2 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Works by Weil:

  • Gravity and Grace (any edition)
  • Dharma and Detachment (ISBN: 9781032910833)
  • Waiting for God (any edition)

Classical works:
  • Plato – Republic (any edition)
  • Bhagavad-Gītā (any edition)
  • the Iliad (any edition)

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.