Philosophy & Film

Once upon a time, philosophy was a popular pursuit. Citizens discussed the nature of such lofty topics as truth, beauty, and justice in the streets rather than in seminar rooms. As an attempt to recapture this lost legacy, this course examines the artistic medium of film as a possible site of popular philosophical inquiry. By putting cinematic works in conversation with classic and contemporary texts in the western tradition—ranging from René Descartes to Donna Haraway—this course offers an introduction to both western philosophy and film studies. Topics to be discussed include not just the nature of truth, beauty, and justice, but also faith, freedom, skepticism, and moral responsibility.