Sessional Lecturer: PHL382H Ethics: Death and Dying

University of Toronto•Toronto, ON

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a sessional lecturer position for the Fall 2026 term, teaching PHL382H Ethics: Death and Dying. The course is an intermediate-level study of ethical, social, and legal issues surrounding death and dying, with a primary focus on human health, public health, and healthcare systems. Key topics include the definition and determination of death, ethical and ontological implications of new technologies, last chance therapies, withholding/withdrawing treatment, medical assistance in dying, advance care planning, palliative care, global health ethics, and the implications of artificial intelligence and climate change. The course aims to expose students to a range of disciplinary perspectives to illuminate the complexity of contemporary health policy and practice related to death and dying. Recent judicial decisions, regulatory guidance, and policy directions will inform discussions on the evolving landscape of health policy and practice in Canada and beyond. An overarching theme is the exploration of what constitutes a 'good death' and its significance to individuals and society.

Requirements

PhD in Philosophy, Bioethics or related field
Advanced knowledge of bioethics theory and its relationship to the course topics
Experience teaching bioethics in a university setting

Nice To Haves

Experience with the study and application of bioethics theory to practical matters of health care, public health, and/or health policy
Familiarity with diverse disciplinary perspectives on course topics
Previous experience teaching bioethics to undergraduate arts and sciences students