GERST 3630 - My Other Self (Friendship)

(crosslisted)
(also SOC 3630) (CA-AS)

Fall. 4 credits.

E. Siegel.

Disciplines as different as anthropology, literary studies, philosophy, and sociology have recently developed a new interest in the theory and practice of friendship as a utopia of a community of individuals differing radically from communities based on family or nation. The course explores crucial reflections on friendship in changing contexts and discourses from Antiquity to the Renaissance (Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Montaigne); the 18th century German ‘cult of friendship.’ Further topics include: the re-configurations of friendship in modernity (Nietzsche, Bloch, Kafka, Bernhard); sociology’s investigation of discretion and tact as traits of friendship (Simmel); friendship in moral philosophy (Blum), and feminist philosophy (Friedman); friendship and politics (Derrida, Schmitt); friendship and sexuality (Foucault). The course also includes the discussion of the representation of friendship in films.