Discussion of contemporary philosophical debates on the nature, value, and moral dimensions of romantic love and sexuality.
The course will involve questions like the following:
- What is romantic love? How does it differ from other kinds of love, e.g., between friends? What makes romantic love 'romantic'?
- Is there an essential connection between romantic love and sexual desire?
- What makes romantic love such a central aspect of many people's lives?
- What is sexual desire?
- What is it to consent to a sexual act? Is consent enough to make a sexual act morally permissible?
- What is sexual objectification and what might be wrong with it?
- Why is sex significant?
This course will be a seminar taught in English, and will consist mainly in discussion on assigned readings. Active engagement with the texts and participation in class are essential. Texts will be circulated electronically. |
