Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

Searchable Course Catalog

header image

PHIL 1014

Existential Phil. & Lit.

Existential Philosophy and Literature
In this course we will examine how existential thinkers and writers confront core dilemmas of existence such as mortality, anxiety, and the paradox of life. Existential thinkers attempt to make sense of a disordered world, but more importantly, to live meaningful lives within a state of ambiguity. Themes such as the comic, the absurd, freedom, choice, and indirect communication will fuel our discussion of authenticity in response to paradox. Existentialism as a way of life will be central to our work, as will the relationship between philosophy and literature. Authors will include Kierkegaard, Kafka, Camus, Sartre, de Beauvoir, and Dostoevsky. This course counts as elective credit towards the Philosophy major and the Comparative Literature major.
Subject:
Philosophy
Department:
Philosophy
Division:
Humanities
Requirements Fulfilled:
LIT PHL WTR
Equivalent Courses:
PHIL 1020
CMLT 1020
PHIL 0286 *
FYSE 1081 *
PHIL 1063
LITP 1063
CMLT 0286
CMLT 1014

Sections in Fall 2024, Midd First Half of Term