INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF ART & AESTHETICS 4

Catalog description

Analysis of the nature of art and aesthetics as an aspect of philosophic discourse. Engagement with historical and contemporary philosophic literature regarding central topics of aesthetic concern. Topics include the possibility of defining and delineating art from other related fields of endeavor (craft, mass entertainment, video games, etc.); examination of the reasons and qualities that make some sensory experiences specifically artistic; the possibility, or otherwise, for defining objective standards of beauty and taste; the potential for deriving meaning, value and knowledge regarding the human condition from artistic endeavor. Topics illustrated through examples from classical through contemporary visual art, architecture, music, and film.