Moral Philosophy and the Novel
New for 2024!
The literary form known as the Novel is remarkably able and eager to explore moral choice and judgment. This paper studies three novels – each one from a different century – alongside essays of contemporary moral philosophy, in order to understand how literature articulates and responds to such questions of ethical thinking as: What is the nature of moral choice? What is the character of moral judgment, and its purpose? How do narrative styles and structures themselves imply ethical positions? Though the paper grapples with philosophical thought, it seeks primarily to develop skills in the close reading of literature and critical writing about literature.
Intended audience
Open to students from all disciplines.
Previous knowledge
Previous training in the close analysis of literary works will be helpful preparation for this paper, but any student with an interest in undertaking analysis of this kind is welcome.
Assessment
5% – A one-paragraph close reading (for the second supervision)
30% – Two brief essays of 600 words each (for the fourth and sixth supervisions)
65% – A short dissertation of 1,800-2,200 words
Students have the alternative option of making the dissertation count for 100% of the assessment.
Research Topics
The specific research focus of your project will be confirmed with guidance from your supervisor, but research topics may choose to focus on a particular ethical position or argument in literature, a particular literary author’s approach to ethical thinking, a particular literary style or technique’s relation to morality, or a combination thereof. Example research topics include:
- Naturalism/determinism and moral responsibility
- Fictional memoir and sexual violence
- Political struggle and represented speech.
Prefer to follow a research idea of your own?
Take a look at the Open Stream.