PHI 357 - Philosophy in Film and Literature (1)

This course explores different ways of understanding the self and its relation to the world as these appear in a wide range of literary works and films. The presentation will be roughly historical, tracing outlooks and conceptions of reality as they evolve from traditional and theocentric views through modern, secularized Enlightenment, romantic and naturalist views to postmodern and post-postmodern outlooks. Philosophical themes include: conceptions of the good life, different conceptions of cosmic order, our relation to nature, the limits of science, the question of free will, the distinctive characteristics of life, time, space, and issues concerning commitment, personal identity, community, faith, gender, authenticity, the significance of death, and the loss of meaning in the modern world. The ideas of major philosophers will be discussed as background for understanding the works. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Alternate years.
(Humanities)