Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PHIL 321 D100

Topics in Moral Philosophy (3)

Ethical Issues in Art

Class Number: 5937

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Fri, 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: Ethical Issues in Art

Your aesthetic styles and preferences in art say a lot about you. But what do they reflect about your moral code? Does it mean something bad if you prefer certain body types? Or if you laugh at a racist joke? Questions like these exist at the intersection of ethics and the philosophy of art. This course will examine such questions as well as others having to do with whether art can make us better people, cultural appropriation, and political art. The aim of the course is to introduce the variety of different ways that ethical issues affect art and aesthetic experience.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • Identify and reconstruct philosophical arguments
  • Write upper-level undergraduate persuasive papers containing a core thesis and argument in support of that thesis
  • Engage with fundamental philosophical issues in contemporary ethics
  • Be able to connect those issues to applied contexts in aesthetics and the artworld
This course is excellent preparation for: law school, graduate school in philosophy, public policy degrees, business school, or for anyone wishing to participate in public deliberation with their fellow citizens.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • In-class mini-assignments 30%
  • 3 Artworld Responses 30%
  • Final paper 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be made available via Canvas.

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.