Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PHIL 421 D100

Advanced Topics in Ethical Theory (4)

Love

Class Number: 4217

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Prerequisites:

    Nine upper division PHIL units. It is strongly recommended that students in PHIL 421 have taken prior courses in moral theory (e.g., PHIL 120W, PHIL 221, PHIL 270, PHIL 320, PHIL 321, PHIL 322, PHIL 326, or PHIL 329).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A highly focused, advanced examination of a selection of topics in normative or meta-ethics. May be repeated for credit when taught under a different topic.

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Love

This course will explore contemporary work in the philosophy of love. Questions discussed will include the following:

  • What is love?
  • Is it bad to be jealous in romantic relationships?
  • How does loving someone relate to biological features, like the presence of particular brain chemicals?
  • Can love be rational and responsive to reasons?
  • Is there, or should there be, a connection between the depth or seriousness of love, and its permanence or persistence over time?

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course may be repeated for credit if the topic is different.

Grading

  • Participation, Paper Abstract, and Discussion Posts (quality of written work in the paper abstract and discussion posts + quality of contributions to class discussion) 20%
  • Final paper (3,500-5,000 words, to be preceded by an abstract/proposal and draft) 80%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All course readings will be available on 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.