The Philosophy of Friendship and Love

You will engage with a range of philosophical texts and consider major themes related to friendship and love, as discussed by philosophers from ancient times to the present.

You will consider Aristotle's classifications of friendship, Nietzsche’s reflections on the fragility of friendship, Plato’s rich dialogues on the nuances of love and Kierkegaard’s views on universal love versus intimate bonds. The insights of contemporary philosophers will also further enhance discussions.

Any essential or recommended reading will be shared by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run.

You will require access to a device with an internet connection. 

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Analyse key philosophical texts regarding the concepts of friendship and love
• Critique philosophical perspectives, comparing ancient and modern viewpoints, and evaluating their relevance and applicability to contemporary issues
• Describe the evolution of philosophical thoughts on friendship and love from ancient times to the present, and how you as a learner relate to or would challenge these views 

No prior knowledge is required.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy. Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services.  

The course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented orally and in writing. You must be comfortable studying in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the study materials.