Philosophy 244 - Philosophy & Literature

This course examines philosophical themes in literature and philosophical questions about literature. Can literature yield knowledge about the world? What is the meaning of a work of literature, and how can we know it? Are the author's intentions relevant to how a work is to be interpreted? Can works of literature be immoral? How is the identity of the reader relevant to the understanding of a literary work? What is the difference between philosophy and literature - can a work of literature also be a work of philosophy?