Course

Philosophy in Film and Other Media

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This course delves into the intricate relationship between film and philosophical themes, exploring how various art forms engage with these ideas. Key elements of the course include:

  • Examining films as a significant art form.
  • Understanding films' capacity to express both feeling and cognition.
  • Analyzing works from renowned creators such as Sturges, Shaw, Cocteau, Hitchcock, Joyce, and Bergman.
  • Writing two major papers on self-chosen topics that intertwine media and philosophy.

Students will engage in deep analyses, focusing on the philosophical underpinnings in cinematic works, while also drawing connections to literature and opera.

Course Lectures
  • This module serves as an introduction to the course, covering essential themes and expectations. Students will explore:

    • The significance of movies as an art form.
    • How teaching and self-expression interconnect.
    • Philosophical inquiries in film and what makes films philosophical.
    • The process of savoring films and understanding myths.

    Additionally, the module will provide an overview of the semester, setting the stage for more in-depth analyses in subsequent sessions.

  • This module focuses on applying philosophical analysis to various art forms. Key discussions include:

    • A review of the previous session's insights.
    • The relationship between science, technology, and art.
    • An exploration of myth-making in cinema, particularly through the lens of Hitchcock.
    • Analysis of themes such as the virgin/whore dichotomy in "The Lady Eve."

    Students will gain a deeper understanding of how films can reflect philosophical concepts and cultural narratives.

  • This module delves into the nature of love as presented in various cinematic works. Topics of focus include:

    • Insights from Edward Song and David Levinson on film analysis.
    • Camera work and its role in storytelling.
    • Exploring ideals of romantic love and their portrayal in film.
    • The theme of "selling out" as depicted in "The Lady Eve."

    Through these discussions, students will critically engage with the representation of love and relationships in cinema.

  • The final module is dedicated to student presentations of their major papers. This session provides a platform for:

    • Sharing individual research and philosophical inquiries.
    • Engaging in discussions and feedback with peers.
    • Highlighting the diverse intersections of film, philosophy, and media.

    Students will demonstrate their understanding of course themes and showcase their analytical skills through their chosen topics.