In this subject we address one of the big subjects of our time. Many in the West today feel confronted by a crisis of meaning, wondering what they should do with their lives, and why. They seek metaphysical answers. On the one hand, traditional religious institutions have become irrelevant to most; on the other, much modern activity displays a kind of secular religious quest. We will examine the social and cultural climate in the West that has produced a prevailing sense of rootlessness, futility and disenchantment, and go on to explore some of the domains in which 're-enchantment' is being sought. We will focus on works of literature, art and film which seek to understand the nature of individual being, and the truths that may illuminate it.

Subject rules

Readings