Applications open: CRS Intro to Suffering-Focused Ethics Course (6-week online program, July 13 – Aug 23)

By Zoé Roy-Stang (CRS) @ 2026-05-19T11:00 (+14)

I used AI (Claude) to help draft and structure this announcement based on our course materials.

The Center for Reducing Suffering is launching the first edition of our Intro to Suffering-Focused Ethics (SFE) Course.

What this is

A 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.

The course is suitable both for those just exploring SFE and curious to learn more, and for those who have already engaged with these ideas. It aims to build a stronger community of people thinking carefully about effective suffering reduction.

Logistics

• Format: Weekly 90-minute facilitated discussion sessions in small cohorts, plus 2-3 hours of weekly reading
• 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