Topics in Moral Philosophy (360-0-20)

Topic

Love and Sex

Instructors

Claire Elizabeth Kirwin

Meeting Info

University Hall 122: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

In this class we will read a wide range of texts from the history of philosophy through to the present day, using these as a starting point to explore central questions concerning the nature of love and eroticism: Is the object of love the particular individual, or something more general? What is the relationship between eros and embodiment? Are love and sex (always?) political? And what role do our love relationships play in constituting us as the particular selves we are?

Learning Objectives

Develop in-depth understanding of key issues in the philosophy of love and sex, including historical and contemporary debates.

Evaluation Method

Final paper

Class Materials (Required)

Plato, Symposium. Trans. A. Nehamas and P. Woodruff. Hackett 1989. ISBN 978-0872200760

Foucault, History of Sexuality, Volume 1. Trans Robert Hurley. Vintage Random House 1990.
ISBN 978-0679724698

Other readings will be provided on Canvas.

Class Notes

Final paper

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration restricted to Undergraduate students only