Philosophy and Film

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Philosophy and Film means, in part, philosophy of film, in part, philosophy in film. Philosophy of film is a sub branch of aesthetics; many questions and puzzles about the nature and value of art have filmic analogues. (Plato s parable of the cave is, in effect, the world s first philosophy of film.) Philosophy in film concerns films that may be said to express abstract ideas, even arguments. (Certain films may even be thought experiments, in effect.) Questions: are philosophical films good films? Are they good philosophy? The module is intended for majors but film being a popular medium will predictably appeal to non-majors as well. (This module is offered as special topics only)