Aesthetics

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

In everyday as well as philosophical discussions, the term ‘aesthetics’ is often used to signal that an object or an event is worthy of our appreciation. This might be because it is beautiful, or because it satisfies socially or psychological grounded standards of taste. But in recent years, the understanding of aesthetic phenomena has started to expand, to include things that are boring, cute, cheesy, cringey, disgusting, gaudy, horrible, and icky. The discussions have also started to include popular films and music, various forms of food and drink, fashion and clothing, and experiences of natural and social spaces. And there has been a growing recognition of diverse global traditions, which focus on different phenomena, as well as different aspects of aesthetic experience. This class will examine some parts of this complex philosophical landscape. It might focus on the evaluative and affective dimensions of aesthetics experiences; it might highlight metaphysical and epistemological questions; and it might focus on the role of aesthetics in the cultivation of self and agency. But in general, the readings will address questions about the nature and value of aesthetic experiences, the things that do or should evoke such experiences, and the judgments that people do or should make about such experiences.