Administrative Information
Philosophy 231: Philosophy in Film
Required Texts:
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Think, Simon Blackburn, Oxford University Press.
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Additional readings will be placed on reserve at the print shop at the
back of Quad Books.
Course Description
This course is about philosophy in or through film, not the philosophy
of film. We will not be talking about film itself (film aesthetics,
the structure of narratives, etc.); rather, we shall use film as a vehicle
for engaging in more traditional philosophic inquiry. The use of
film, like the use of literature, helps to make these issues more salient,
thereby granting life to what can often strike people as idle speculation.
More specifically, we shall be looking at such issues as knowledge and
reality, the nature of personhood and personal identity, moral obligation,
psychological egoism, and the good life.
Film Screenings, Readings, and Assignments
The films, topics, and readings will be announced in class and posted on
the course website on a week-to-week basis. The screenings will always
take place during the Wednesday time slot. Topics we will definitely
cover include: knowledge and reality, personal identity and personhood,
and Marxism.
Topics we may cover include: psychological and ethical egoism,
psychoanalysis, and existentialism (including Sartre and Nietzsche).
Course Requirements
1. Journal (10 points)
We will screen 12 films. You will be expected to write a response
piece to 8 of them. These should be about 750 words (500 is the absolute
minimum and 1000 is the absolute maximum), and must be typed. Include
a word count with each response. These will always be due in lecture
on the Thursday following the screening, absolutely no late responses accepted.
Each response is worth 1.25 points. I will provide feedback on any
submitted for the first 2 films, but not after that. I will not assign
any official grades until I have all 8 of your entries (you may submit
up to 10 responses, of which I will select the best 8).
2. Take-home exams (25 and 35 points each)
These exams will be essay-based. The due-dates for the
exam will be announced during the course of the term. You will have
at least 2 weeks notice.
3. Paper (30 points)
The paper topics and due dates will announced during the course of
the term. You will have at least 2 weeks notice.
Extensions on due dates for either the take-home exam or the paper will
be granted only in extreme extenuating circumstances. It is your
responsibility to plan ahead.
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