What are the varieties of love and friendship?  Is romantic or
erotic love a uniquely Western construction or preoccupation?  How
does familial love relate to other forms?  Are benevolence and
compassion for others natural to human beings?  Could true
benevolence require actions that appear cruel?  How can personal
vices and corrupt social arrangements deform friendship,
benevolence, and love?  Is it possible to be friends with God?  With
the Dao?  These are some of the questions we will pursue in this
course as we examine the closely related ideas of friendship,
benevolence, and love.  We will read several classic works, in
various genres, by men and women from different cultures and eras
(Western and East Asian, ancient and modern).  The class is thus an
experiment in cross-cultural understanding, and aims to refine
reflection on some of the most important and potentially fulfilling
aspects of human social and religious life.  All readings will be in
English translation.