Year
2019
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 1-hour lecture weekly
1 x 1-hour tutorial weekly
Topic description
This topic is both a philosophical examination of literature and an examination of how literature may contribute to philosophy. Specific issues and questions to be discussed will include: What makes a work of literature a work of art?; What makes something a work of literature?; How can readers respond emotionally to fictional characters?; Is one of the central values of literature to impart truths?; In what ways might literature as literature contribute to moral understanding?
Educational aims
This topic aims to introduce students to:

  • important questions in literary/philosophical aesthetics

  • the most influential critical theories of literature
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic students will be able to:

  • explain the central philosophical issues and problems concerning literature discussed in the topic

  • critically assess the philosophical responses to the above problems

  • write clearly in responding to the questions in literary/philosophical aesthetics discussed in this topic