This course examines works of film in relation to thematic issues of philosophical importance that also occur in other arts, particularly literature and opera. Emphasis is put on film's ability to represent and express feeling as well as cognition. Both written and cinematic works by Sturges, Shaw, Cocteau, Hitchcock, Joyce, and Bergman, among others, are considered. There are no tests or quizzes, however students write two major papers on media/philosophical research topics of their choosing.
Segment 1: introduction, "The Lady Eve," movies as an art form, teaching as self-expression, philosophy in film, How can films be philosophical?, savoring films, myths and mythmaking, an overview of the semester, course expectations
Session 2: review of previous session, applying philosophical analysis to art, tree of knowledge, overlap between science technology and art, Reality Transformed, Three Philosophical Filmmakers, myth making, Hitchcock, "The Lady Eve," myth of the whore/virgin
Session 3: Edward Song, David Levinson, focusing attention, camera work, the nature of love, ideals of romantic love, selling out in "The Lady Eve"