PHIL 240 - Philosophy of Art and Aesthetics

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

This intermediate course examines foundational texts in the philosophy of art and aesthetics in order to consider questions such as: What is art? What is the difference between artistic and creative activities, on the one hand, and other sorts of behavior and acts, on the other? What is the beautiful, sublime, and ugly? Is there a difference between natural beauty and art beauty? What is the role of art in society, and does society have a necessary responsibility to review, curate, or censor art? Contemporary and historical works of art are referred to during the course of the semester. Readings include: Plato, Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, G.W.F. Hegel, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Theodor W. Adorno. Osman Nemli.

Prerequisite(s): One 100-level Philosophy course, or permission of the instructor.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS