When: Wednesdays, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8 at 6:00pm

Where: Harrison House

“He who has friends, has no friend.” This observation, perhaps lament, was derived not out of the Facebook generation, but rather out of Greek antiquity. In his foundational treatise on Ethics, Aristotle reflected on the value of personal friendship, on what it takes to count someone else a good friend and on what one might need to give up in order to be one. And of course on whether it is possible to have many friends. His conclusions have been continually absorbed and challenged over two millennia, addressing questions about human relationships that appear quintessentially modern. In this preceptorial/ informal dinner seminar, students and a faculty guide will read and discuss brief but momentous texts on friendship. Among the great thinkers featured include Aristotle, Cicero, Chaucer, Montaigne, Emerson, Thoreau, Keats, and others. Of course no papers or exams are required at the end!

Coffee with the classics is coordinated by Collegium and hosted at Harrison College House. These three discussion seminars on Friendship will take place on Wednesday evenings, 6pm-7:20, on 1/25, 2/1, and 2/8. Dinner is available at 5:45pm and is included with all texts to registrants. Both beginning and experienced students from all schools are welcome. Registration is limited to seminar-size.

Register at elife@sas.upenn.edu for texts and dinner.