Aesthetics

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Aesthetics is the philosophical study of art, beauty, and taste. In this course, we will explore some influential aesthetic theories. However, we’ll also test the limitations of these theories using some especially challenging cases. For example, some societies do not share the Western conception of art. Yet they produce artifacts that obviously count as art under most aesthetic definitions. How should we treat these products without distorting them? Many of us also seem to seek out and enjoy movies and fiction that upset and frighten us. But why? And should these count as properly “aesthetic” experiences? Finally, aesthetic theories often struggle to deal with art forms like dance and performance art precisely because they are ephemeral. But if these established art forms are difficult cases, how should we think of newly recognized art forms like food and (possibly) humor?