LIBS657

This course is an examination of four passions through the prism of psychology, philosophy, literature, and film. We have all had experiences with these passions, but to explore them as objects of study is another matter. The task then will be to bring our collective emotional wisdom to bear on these topics. Some questions we will ask ourselves include: What purposes do jealousy and envy serve? Can jealousy or envy ever be beneficial, to their bearers or to society at large? Or should they ideally be eliminated? How do we deliberate between revenge and forgiveness? Is true forgiveness achievable?