Would you like to read novels for some of your Philosophy assignments? We will be doing that next fall in PHL 312: Virtues and Vices in Life and Literature. We will meet in person MW 3:30-4:45 to discuss issues such as how national origin, religion, sex, race, class, historical time period and other factors might affect our judgments of individuals’ virtues and whether that is appropriate.
Our exploration will include three novels: Persuasion by Jane Austen, Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie and Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue. In addition, we will consider Eva Fogelman’s book Conscience and Courage (a study of individuals who rescued Jews during the Holocaust), Radical Virtues by Richard White and Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics. And you will not have to buy the books as the university will be providing them!
There will be weekly writings and four formal essays. No exams.
The course is open to anyone who has completed a 100-level Philosophy course or who has permission from the instructor. To get permission or more information contact Dr. Paul at linda.paul@wilkes.edu. The course is eligible for the Women and Gender Studies minor and for Honors credit, if desired.