PHIL 226: Philosophy of Literature(H, V, and W)

Spring 2021 • TR 11:am-12:15pmLiterature: definition, ontology,

interpretation, value, and puzzles.

• Can literature be defined and, if so, how? • Is a literary work the same as its text, or coulda work have the same text as, e.g., Pride and Prejudicebut be a distinct work from Jane Austen’s famous novel? • What determines the meaning of a work? Canworks allow for multiple, incompatible interpretations?• What are the values of literature?• How can we feel for characters like Anna Karenina,whom we know to be fictional?• What does caring for fictional characters involve?• How can we enjoy such works as tragedies,which make us feel what seem to be painful emotions?• Can good literature be morally bad? If so, does itsimmorality affect its value as literature?

For more info: Alessandro Giovannelli, Philosophygiovannelli@lafayette.edu • Fall office hours: Tuesdays, 2:45pm-4pm (Zoom ID: 998 1170 2960)