DEPICTING VIRTUE
Literature as Philosophy

What are the virtues and which field—literature or philosophy— is most persuasive in communicating their power and importance? Do we, consciously or unconsciously, expect to find moral direction in what we read? Is depicting virtue central to the creation of a durable literary work? And can works be judged on the basis of how well they articulate the nature of the virtues with which they are concerned? This course offers a searching, contemporary overview of the virtues and explores overlapping philosophical and literary approaches to the subject. Readings include the core book A Small Treatise on Great Virtues A. Comte-Sponville, novels The Picture of Dorian Gray O. Wilde, The Remains of the Day K. Ishiguro, and other selections.

COURSE LENGTH: 12 weeks
DISCUSSION TEAM: Andrew Byers, Marie Fortier, Penny-Anne Soper
FIRST SESSION: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 1:30 pm