PHIL 214 - Philosophy of Memoir

In this course we will read memoirs alongside philosophical texts exploring personal identity, the nature of the self, mind, memory, imagination, truth, justice, friendship, and the meaning of life. The course will raise questions like the following: If a memoir is a work of art, does it matter if it is true? Do narrative arcs truthfully represent life? Are lives and persons unified in the way that stories are unified? How are you related to your past? How is your present well-being related to time and to the overall shape of your life? How are you related to others, and how do those relationships generate obligations? Should you tell your story even if it hurts others? In what sense is your story yours to tell?

Unit(s): 1
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group I
Instructional Method: Conference
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Notes: This course meets the department’s ethics requirement.
Not offered: 2023-24
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Understand how arguments can be made, visions presented, or feelings or ideas conveyed through language or other modes of expression (symbols, movement, images, sounds, etc.).
Analyze and interpret texts, whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts.
Evaluate arguments made in or about texts (whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts).