Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PHIL 822 G100

Selected Topics in Normative Ethics (4)

Non-Ideal Ethics

Class Number: 5943

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Non-Ideal Ethics

Important note regarding enrollment: All seats are reserved for Philosophy Graduate students. Enrollments from other departments will be considered only upon submission of the Graduate Course Add Form, and with instructor's permission. All such enrollments will be done in or after the first week of classes.

In this seminar, we’ll be thinking about what it means to be ethical, when we’re humans with limited capacities, navigating a world that can be deeply unjust and confusing. Topics may include: hope, guilt, faith in humanity, loneliness, and forgiveness.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Successful completion of this course will satisfy the “Value Theory” distribution requirement toward the MA degree for Philosophy graduate students.

Grading

  • Short Reading Response Assignments and Quality of Participation 15%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Final paper (3,000-5,000 words) (This will require a paper proposal, version 1 of the paper, and a final version of the paper) 70%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available on the course’s Canvas page. There are no textbooks to purchase.

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.