Department of Religious Studies

Love and friendship seem crucial to any good human life—but what are they, exactly? In this course we examine these and related ideas by reading classic and contemporary works from different cultures and eras. The class is an experiment in cross-cultural understanding, and will refine your thinking on some of the most important and potentially fulfilling aspects of human social and religious life. Questions we will pursue include: What are the varieties of love and friendship? Are benevolence and compassion for others natural to human beings? What are the limits and obstacles to loving and caring for others? How can personal vices and corrupt social arrangements deform friendship, benevolence, and love?