In this course, we'll explore a range of philosophical questions that have been raised both about and within literature. Some of these questions concern the metaphysical status of literary characters and indeed works of literature themselves, some concern our cognitive engagement with literature, and some concern classic philosophical topics like good and evil, free will and responsibility, faith and doubt, and irrationality, self-harm, and the search for fulfillment. We will approach these questions by reading works of contemporary philosophy alongside Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov. This pairing will allow us to appreciate what is gained - and what is lost - when philosophical ideas are presented in works of fiction rather than in discursive prose. Throughout the course, we will engage the Socratic method of learning through guided questioning and shared inquiry, analyzing philosophical arguments as they emerge within narrative form. (This is the required gateway course for the Philosophy and Literature major tracks. Majors should register in their home department.)
3-5 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit · GER: WAY-A-II
In this course, we'll explore a range of philosophical questions that have been raised both about and within literature. Some of these questions concern the metaphysical status of literary characters and indeed works of literature themselves, some concern our cognitive engagement with literature, and some concern classic philosophical topics like good and evil, free will and responsibility, faith and doubt, and irrationality, self-harm, and the search for fulfillment. We will approach these questions by reading works of contemporary philosophy alongside Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov. This pairing will allow us to appreciate what is gained - and what is lost - when philosophical ideas are presented in works of fiction rather than in discursive prose. Throughout the course, we will engage the Socratic method of learning through guided questioning and shared inquiry, analyzing philosophical arguments as they emerge within narrative form. (This is the required gateway course for the Philosophy and Literature major tracks. Majors should register in their home department.)
Offered in Spring 2026 at Stanford University.