161-242 Philosophy and Literature

Note

Available as 161-342 at 3rd-year level.

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

One first-year single-semester Philosophy subject. Students who lack this prerequisite, but believe themselves adequately prepared to attempt any second/third year subjects, should consult the Head of Department.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

An exploration of the philosophical questions and problems concerning the self as they have been presented and explored in literature and philosophical writing about literature. Students will develop skills in reading texts so as to be able to extract the philosophical themes and questions from them. Some of the philosophical themes include: narrative unity and human identity; selfhood and temporality; the possibility of self-knowledge. This subject provides students with a background for their own further reflection on what it is to write about oneself.

Assessment

Two written assignments, each of no more than 2500 words plus regular attendance and participation in tutorials.