This class will consider philosophical questions concerning the nature, appreciation and value of literary works, including: What is literature? What distinguishes fiction from creative nonfiction? Do fictional characters exist? Do emotional responses to fiction make sense? Are an author’s intentions relevant to interpreting their work? Can there be more than one correct interpretation of a literary work? Are some literary works objectively better than others? What, if anything, can we learn from fiction? Does reading literature make us morally better people? It is wrong for non-minority writers to write from the perspective of members of minority groups? The course will cover these and other topics in metaphysics, value theory, philosophy of language and mind and include work by philosophers, literary theorists and creative writers.
Prerequisite: Open to first-years who have taken one course in philosophy. Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors without prerequisite.
Distribution: Religion, Ethics and Moral Philosophy
Professor: Helena de Bres
Contact: hdebres@wellesley.edu
Website: https://sites.google.com/wellesley.edu/helenadebres/home
Office: Founders 320
Class time: Tues / Fri, 9:55-11:10
Venue: Founders 120
Office hours: Tuesday 3:45-4:45, Friday 11:15-12:15, or by appointment.
You're welcome to drop by my office as often as you like during these times, either solo or in a small group with other students.
No need to have a specific question--we can chat about class material, philosophy, writing, or whatever else is on your mind.
If the set times don't work for you, email me and we can arrange an appointment at a different hour.
If we have to shift to Zoom, we'll use this link.
Communication:
Outside of class, we'll be communicating via our Google Group, which has the following email address: phil-220-01-fa24@wellesley.edu
I'll make all announcements via the Group, and you can also use it to send messages to the class as a whole.
You'll submit your weekly reading responses (instructions here) via the Group too.
You'll submit your assignments to me, anonymized, over email.
Readings: You will need one book for the course:
Helena de Bres, Artful Truths: The Philosophy of Memoir (University of Chicago Press, 2021)
All other readings are PDFs linked to our course schedule, on this site.
You can find course policies and extra resources at those links right there.
Question: Why are there cats all over this website? Is this class about cats?
Answer: There are cats all over this website because cats and books are two of the best things on this planet and they go beautifully together. I won't be taking further questions at this time.