Philosophical Concepts in Film: The (For-)Getting of Wisdom May 18, 2012

The love and pursuit of wisdom are perhaps the oldest and most persistent grand themes of the western philosophical tradition. But what does wisdom mean in these contexts? And what does it mean to be a lover of wisdom? Indeed, is it possible now in any sense? Some philosophers believe that it is; others believe that we have forgotten what it means to be a lover of wisdom (or at least, a faithful lover in this context!) Is the love of wisdom greater than the love of happiness, or of truth? These questions and their possible answers have preoccupied thinkers since the time of Socrates and Plato, Aristotle and Epicurus, but they have also influenced many film makers in quite profound ways. We will focus on these relations, with reference to films such as 'Mother', 'Gone with the Wind', 'La Strada', 'The Searchers', 'The Name of the Rose', 'The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King', 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', 'The Piano', 'The Tree of Life' and 'Hugo'. Details of this event may be subject to change. Please visit http://www.cce.usyd.edu.au/course/pcgw for more information or to register.

Official Website: http://www.cce.usyd.edu.au/course/pcgw