Philosophy of Love

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Brief Description

This roundtable will explore the language, narratives, and poetics of love in Russian literature and thought. Alexandra Pchelintseva will compare Trediakovskii’s translation of ‘Ezda v ostrov liubvi’ with its French original eliciting how Russia develops its language of love in the 18th century. Laura Schlosberg will discuss love in the life and works of the 19th century Russian writer, poet, singer, composer, and salonist Zinaida Volkonskaya. Victoria Juharyan will talk about “the dangers of skipping Eros” in Pushkin’s Eugene Onegin and Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. Elena Petrova-Libgober will present on “Tolstoy's and Rozanov’s response to the family decline: asexuality vs Jewish sensuality.” Dmitry Bykov will conceptualize the difference between “loving” and “being in love” in the lives and works of 20th century Russian poets and novelists. Finally, the contemporary philosopher of love and the author of Sola Amore: Love in Five Dimensions Mikhail Epstein will share some his current theories of love.

Sub Unit

• Religion, Philosophy

Chair

• Victoria Juharyan, Johns Hopkins U

Roundtable Members

• Mikhail N. Epstein, Emory U

• Aleksandra Pchelintseva, U of Southern California

• Elena Petrova-Libgober, U of Southern California