Course Catalogue 2025-2026

The work of Ludwig Wittgenstein has been highly influential on many of the most important theologians of the last two generations. His work has also been influential on moral philosophers and moral theologians. This course in theological ethics will examine both the work of Wittgenstein himself, and those he has influenced, on a variety of the central questions for contemporary theological ethics. Key authors to be studied include Elizabeth Anscombe, Herbert McCabe, Fergus Kerr, Rowan Williams, Cora Diamond, and Stephen Mulhall. Topics to be discussed will include questions of intention and the problem of act-description, the nature of human flourishing, questions of analogy, and the nature of theological claims in relation to the moral life.

This unit explores lgnatian mystical spirituality as a resource for the construction of religious narratives that contribute to intentional, social transformation in a post-secular context. Drawing principally on the lgnatian appropriation of monastic adaptation of rhetoric in the practice of mental prayer and the narrative theory of Paul Ricoeur, the course engages contemporary social theory to address issues of racism and other forms of systematic injustice. Students develop a transdisciplinary approach to ecological, social, cultural and ecclesial reconciliation. They also develop an understanding of the evolution of a religious and cultural recognition of the autonomous rights of indigenous peoples. Elements of recognition theory and transitional justice are introduced through a discussion of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Indian Residential Schools. Authors include: Marie Battiste, Judith Butler, Glen Sean Coulthard, Cynthia Crysdale, Nancy Fraser, Priscilla Hayner, Axel Honneth, Bernard Lonergan, Ronald Niezen, Paul Ricoeur, and Charles Taylor.

A practical and theoretical in-depth critical analysis of some of the most difficult contemporary ethical dilemmas humanity faces today. This course builds on the tools, skills, and insights gained in the introduction to Ethics courses. Students will engage in critical discussion and dialogue with their classmates, drawing on the wisdom of their own cultural and religious traditions. Students will gain crucial skills in dealing with ethical issues, and gain insight in the main themes and specific methodologies other religious traditions offer to the study of ethics. Particular attention will be paid to examining the ethical issues that arise in relation to human identity (class, race and ethnicity, dis/ability, gender and sexuality, etc.) as well as other critical contemporary ethical issues like Indigeneity, neo/colonialism, interfaith/interculturality, and food sovereignty.

Due to anthropogenic climate change and associated dynamics, the human species now threatens Earth’s capacity to sustain life as we know it. Climate change, loss of biodiversity and deterioration of eco-system intersect with various forms of social injustice based on race/ethnicity, class, gender, nationality, caste, and geographical divides. This course in ecological ethics asks, “What is the theological ethics we need for such a time like this?” How may we articulate an earth-honoring, justice-seeking ethics? In responses the course explores various ways of 'doing' ecological ethics, with special attention to feminist/womanist and decolonial approaches.

This course focuses on Thomas Aquinas? treatment of the theological virtues approaching it in relation to recent work in ?Virtue Ethics?. The course begins with recent philosophical work focusing on the recovery of the virtues for moral reflection and life, and addresses key questions and challenges to this renewed emphasis on the virtues. Aquinas? treatment of the virtues will be read in conjunction with both classic and contemporary commentators and critics.

This course in social and political theology explores the tension between the theological concepts of forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. How does one, or should one, forgive those who have committed unjust and terrible crimes? To what extent must justice be retributive? This analysis of the difficult work of reconciliation gives particular attention to how the churches in Rwanda, Northern Ireland, and South Africa have wrestled with this issue in their own social and political contexts. Attention is also given to Canada's TRC process with indigenous peoples and the concept of "Restorative Justice." The course will explore the complexity involved in the relationship between violence and forgiveness, particularly as this relates to the concept of Justice in Christian ethics, an understanding of community, and the formation of the moral subject. Some attention will be given to the emotional and spiritual tensions that individuals face when confronted with the complexities involved in living through periods of conflict and reconciliation.

This course in social and political theology explores the tension between the theological concepts of forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. How does one, or should one, forgive those who have committed unjust and terrible crimes? To what extent must justice be retributive? This analysis of the difficult work of reconciliation gives particular attention to how the churches in Rwanda, Northern Ireland, and South Africa have wrestled with this issue in their own social and political contexts. Attention is also given to Canada's TRC process with indigenous peoples and the concept of "Restorative Justice." The course will explore the complexity involved in the relationship between violence and forgiveness, particularly as this relates to the concept of Justice in Christian ethics, an understanding of community, and the formation of the moral subject. Some attention will be given to the emotional and spiritual tensions that individuals face when confronted with the complexities involved in living through periods of conflict and reconciliation.