COURSES – SPRING 2026 / History and Philosophy / EXPLORATIONS IN PHILOSOPHY AND LITERATURE

Coordinators: Larry Shapiro, Steve Allen, Bob Belfort

For each session, we will read an essay, classic short story, or excerpt from a play.

Some of our sessions focus on how philosophy addresses current controversial issues. Some of our sessions focus on writing by classic or contemporary authors addressing questions of perennial concern. All of our sessions feature lively discussions of readings selected for stimulating ideas and insights into social relations and human nature.

B WEEK / THURSDAY / 1:00 – 2:30 PM / IN-PERSON / ROOM 27


Explorations in Philosophy and Literature
DateFacilitatorTitle
Feb 12Lincoln’s BirthdayNo Classes
Feb 26Larry ShapiroUnreasonable, Rivka Galchen;
Beautiful Waves of Giant Booty-Shaking Bees, Ed Yong
Mar 12Steve AllenBernard Crick: Democracy, A Very Short Introduction
Mar 26Larry ShapiroMachiavelli, The Prince, and its long shadow
Apr 09Steve AllenCrime, Punishment, and Philosophy
Apr 30Paul GolombThinking and Being, Irad Kimhi
May 14Larry ShapiroIn Memoriam Jonathan Lear, essays by Lear and Agnes Callard



Other Classes: