Aesthetics: The Philosophy of the Moral and Aesthetic Value of Art

(3-7.5 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Taught at a host institution. Aesthetics: The Philosophy of Art is a unit that analyses philosophical issues surrounding the concept of art and entertainment. The discipline of Aesthetics includes comparative analysis of sculpture, painting, film, novels, and music. The study of Aesthetics examines what it is that people appreciate when they enjoy a piece of artwork by identifying characteristics that artworks hold in common. The unit provides an overview of the philosophy of aesthetics, it explores various theories of Aesthetics, and it evaluates the moral and intrinsic value of aesthetic experience. SY - Sydney, Australia Why is art important to us What is an aesthetic response to something What is the relation between art and aesthetics Is there such a thing as objective interpretation of an artwork Or is it all a matter of taste Should we believe in 'the death of the author' What is the relation between art and representation, expression and emotion We shall discuss these and other questions (eg. modernity, metaphor) from the perspective of an historical approach to the philosophical study of aesthetics and art.At the completion of this unit, you should be able to: LO1. This unit of study will acquaint students with contemporary ways of approaching and understanding art philosophically. Students will critically engage with key texts from historical and modern sources in the philosophy of art. This course will challenge students to ask what art is, how to and why it matters to us. Generically, this unit of study will impart new understandings of art and its philosophy, enhance reflective thinking skills, and enhance the ability to speak and write analytically, independently, and clearly. LO2. Identify, formulate and assess philosophical problems and demonstrate an understanding of important conceptual distinctions. LO3. Demonstrate disciplinary expertise in several major areas of philosophy, such as aesthetics, epistemology, ethics, the history of philosophy, logic, metaphysics, theories of the self, philosophy of science, and political philosophy. LO4. Express themselves precisely and demonstrate an ability to make rationally persuasive arguments. LO5. Demonstrate sensitivity, intellectual honesty, generosity and cultural competence in interpretation and argument. LO6. Effectively apply philosophical knowledge and approaches to issues encountered in an interdisciplinary context LO7. Read, understand and critically engage with philosophical texts both historical and contemporary. IC - University of Galway: This module introduces students to central questions philosophers tackle in their thinking about what art is and its effect on audiences, artists, and societies. It is shaped around 5 core questions: -What makes something a work of art? -How can we interpret what art means? -Can art impact our character? -What is the relationship between art and truth? -Does Taste matter? In answering each of these questions, we will engage with major texts on art from a range of philosophical approaches, paying close attention to the ways these different philosophical methodologies help us understand a range of artistic phenomena. PM - Puebla, Mexico - UPAEP LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. Identify the philosophical foundations of art through texts and images. 2. Write critical and reflective reports based on works of art in order to perceive human sensitivity. 3. Appreciate universal art, showing interest in diverse artistic and visual expressions.