An introduction to the study of philosophy through the medium of film. We will discuss some of the fundamental questions of philosophy through their treatment in films, such as: A Clockwork Orange, American Beauty, Being John Malkovich, The Matrix, Memento, and many more.
- Introduction: Plato’s Cave
What is Philosophy? What is the relationship between film and philosophy?
Cinema Paradiso (Giuseppe Tornatore, Italy, 1989) - Epistemology: Dreams and Demons
What can we know for certain? Can we tell that we are not now dreaming?
Abre los Ojos [Open your eyes] (Alejandro Amenabar, Spain, 1997) - Mind and Identity
Are we our minds or our bodies? What makes us the same person over a period of time?
Memento (Christopher Nolan, USA, 2000) - Moral Philosophy: Plato’s Ring of Gyges
Ought we to be moral? How do we know how to act?
Crimes and Misdemeanors (Woody Allen, USA, 1990) - Political Philosophy
What is the proper relationship between authority and liberty?
The Wave [Die welle] (Dennis Gansel, Germany, 2008) - Freedom and Responsibility
Is free will just an illusion? Are all of our actions pre-determined? If so, are we ever responsible for anything that we do?
A Clockwork Orange (Stanley Kubrick, UK, 1972) - Philosophy of Time
What is the nature of time? Is time travel logically possible?
Los Cronocrimenes [Timecrimes](Nacho Vigalondo, Spain, 2008) - Luck
What do we mean by ‘luck’? Are some people luckier than others?
Intacto (Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, Spain, 2003) - Love
What is the true nature of love? What about when love is unrequited?
Enduring Love (Roger Michell, UK, 2004) - The Meaning of Life
How should we live our lives? Does life have any meaning?
Le conseguenze dell’amore [The Consequences of Love] (Sorrentino, Italy, 2004)
New courses start January 2012 (evenings) and April 2012 (mornings).
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