Introduction
Thank you for your interest in our Intro to Suffering-Focused Ethics (SFE) Course. This six-week online program introduces the core ideas, arguments, and practical implications of prioritizing the reduction of suffering. The course is suitable for those who are only just exploring SFE and curious to learn more, as well as those who have already reflected on the topic.
Program Overview
Duration: 6 weeks (July 13 – August 23, 2026), with a closing event the week of August 24
Format: Weekly 90-minute facilitated, structured discussion sessions in small groups
Cost: Free of charge
Availability: Limited spots (about 50-60) to ensure quality discussion and learning
Requirements
- Readings (2-3 hours per week)
- Discussion session (1.5 hours per week)
We will also host weekly Q&A sessions with experts; attendance is optional but encouraged. Students will also have the opportunity to complete a final project, such as a memo, blog post, video, or paper if they choose.
Who Should Apply
We welcome applicants interested in philosophy, ethics, and effective approaches to reducing suffering. A formal background isn’t required — see the application for what we’re looking for.
Curriculum (subject to change)
Week 1 — SFE: What and Why?
Core ideas of suffering-focused ethics and the case for prioritizing reducing intense suffering.
Week 2 — Happiness and Suffering
Whether happiness can outweigh suffering, and how to understand well-being vs. ill-being.
Week 3 — Implausible, or Just Unfashionable?
Objections to SFE and whether its neglect is due to arguments or bias.
Week 4 — Many Paths to SFE
How different moral views and traditions can support prioritizing suffering reduction.
Week 5 — Reducing Suffering I: Big Picture
How to reduce suffering effectively: priorities, uncertainty, and large-scale risks.
Week 6 — Reducing Suffering II: Next Steps
What you can do: careers, research, and practical ways to reduce suffering.
The Takeaway
You’ll leave with a clear grasp of SFE’s foundations, its strongest objections, and how it can inform real-world priorities. From there, you’ll be better positioned to pursue further work—whether through research, fellowships, or applied efforts to reduce suffering—while connecting with a broader community engaged in these questions.
How to Apply
Please complete the application form by June 7, 2026.
FAQs
Suffering-focused ethics (SFE) is a family of moral views that give priority to reducing suffering, especially intense suffering. Rather than treating happiness and suffering as fully symmetric, SFE holds that preventing severe suffering often matters more urgently than creating additional happiness.
We are looking for interest in, and some familiarity with, these subjects, but a formal background in them is not required.
We offer multiple cohort times to accommodate participants across different time zones. Please indicate your availability in the application form, and we will do our best to sort you into a group if we decide to move forward with your application.
We understand that occasional conflicts arise. If you need to miss a session, please inform your facilitator in advance and see whether another cohort matches your availability to switch for a week. Missing more than one session may affect your completion status.
Participants who complete all required components will receive a certificate of completion that can be referenced in future applications. Requirements include attending at least five out of six sessions.
We limit cohort sizes to ensure meaningful discussion and learning. While we cannot accept everyone, we encourage all interested individuals who meet the suggested background to apply. We’re primarily looking for genuine interest in reducing suffering and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging ideas.
This gives you the chance to extend your learning and develop your own ideas, potentially for further research or action. Projects can take various forms, such as a memo, blog post, video, or paper. Our facilitators will provide feedback on your work.
Sessions are facilitated by experienced members of the EA and SFE community and the Center for Reducing Suffering team.
More questions? Feel free to email us