The Center for Reducing Suffering is launching the first edition of our Intro to Suffering-Focused Ethics (SFE) Course. Applications are open through June 7.
What this is
A free, 6-week online program introducing the core ideas, arguments, and practical implications of suffering-focused ethics — the family of moral views that prioritizes reducing suffering, especially intense suffering, over creating additional happiness.
Suitable both for newcomers exploring SFE and those already familiar with the ideas. The course aims to build a stronger community of people thinking carefully about effective suffering reduction.
Curriculum
Week 1: SFE — What and Why?
Week 2: Happiness and Suffering
Week 3: Implausible, or Just Unfashionable? (objections to SFE)
Week 4: Many Paths to SFE (different moral views supporting prioritizing suffering reduction)
Week 5: Reducing Suffering I — Big Picture
Week 6: Reducing Suffering II — Next Steps
Logistics
Format: Weekly 90-minute facilitated discussion sessions in small cohorts, plus 2-3 hours of weekly readings
Dates: July 13 – August 23, 2026, with an end-of-course event the week of August 24
Cost: Free
Optional weekly Q&A sessions with experts
Optional final project (memo, blog post, video, paper) with facilitator feedback
Applications open: Intro to Suffering-Focused Ethics Course (CRS, 6-week online, July 13 – Aug 23)
Link post
The Center for Reducing Suffering is launching the first edition of our Intro to Suffering-Focused Ethics (SFE) Course. Applications are open through June 7.
What this is
A free, 6-week online program introducing the core ideas, arguments, and practical implications of suffering-focused ethics — the family of moral views that prioritizes reducing suffering, especially intense suffering, over creating additional happiness.
Suitable both for newcomers exploring SFE and those already familiar with the ideas. The course aims to build a stronger community of people thinking carefully about effective suffering reduction.
Curriculum
Week 1: SFE — What and Why?
Week 2: Happiness and Suffering
Week 3: Implausible, or Just Unfashionable? (objections to SFE)
Week 4: Many Paths to SFE (different moral views supporting prioritizing suffering reduction)
Week 5: Reducing Suffering I — Big Picture
Week 6: Reducing Suffering II — Next Steps
Logistics
Format: Weekly 90-minute facilitated discussion sessions in small cohorts, plus 2-3 hours of weekly readings
Dates: July 13 – August 23, 2026, with an end-of-course event the week of August 24
Cost: Free
Optional weekly Q&A sessions with experts
Optional final project (memo, blog post, video, paper) with facilitator feedback
Apply
Course overview
Application form
Deadlines:
Participants: June 7, 2026
Facilitators (small stipend, mostly confirmed but a few spots may open): May 31, 2026
Questions? Contact us at courses@reducingsuffering.org