Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PHIL 421 D100

Advanced Topics in Ethical Theory (4)

Metaethics

Class Number: 5924

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 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: Metaethics


The Limits of Moral and Legal Authority: The focal point of this course is the fundamental meta-ethical question: To what extent do the demands of morality have normative authority over us and our lives? Our guide in exploring this question is Dale Dorsey’s book, The Limits of Moral Authority. Focusing on a single monograph will allow us to engage with the many complex dimensions of this question while seeing how certain answers to those questions can be combined into a single systemic view. Toward the end of the course, we will turn to the related question regarding the normative authority of legal demands over us and our lives.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

Grading

  • Reading reflections 20%
  • Paper 1 25%
  • Paper 2 25%
  • Paper 3 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Dale Dorsey, The Limits of Moral Authority (OUP, 2016) (Available online from SFU library)
ISBN: 0198728905
ISBN: 9780198728900

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.