PHIL 409Seminar in Aesthetics

3 credits · Philosophy · Penn State

Aesthetics examines questions related to the nature of art and beauty as well as the nature of aesthetic judgment and experience. Building on its precursor ( PHIL 109 ), this course explores selected topics in traditional or contemporary aesthetics in greater depth. Typical issues include the distinction between beauty, sublimity, and ugliness; the nature of aesthetic experience and artistic value and their relation to knowledge; the basis and validity of aesthetic judgments; the relationship between art, morality, and society; and the influence of social identities (race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, etc.) on the production and reception of art. In addition to familiarizing themselves with theoretical approaches, students will typically also engage in the discussion and critical interpretation of specific artworks (e.g. paintings, sculptures, photographs, films, musical compositions or performances, literary works), both as a way of exemplifying particular aesthetic issues and approaches, and with a view to enhancing students¿ aesthetic perception and experience.