Philosophy 233 - Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art

Aesthetics&Philosophy of Art

Spring
2025
01
4.00
Malcolm Keating

TU TH 1:20 PM - 2:35 PM

Smith College
PHI-233-01-202503
Hillyer 103
mkeating@smith.edu
This course focuses on two overlapping clusters of philosophical questions. The course considers aesthetic problems like: What is beauty? How does one experience it, and where—in nature, in art, in ordinary objects and activities? Are there objective standards for aesthetic judgments? In philosophy of art, the course considers problems like: What makes something a work of art? What is art for? Do artists have moral responsibilities, and can art cultivate our moral sensibilities? Readings are from worldwide philosophical traditions. Assignments involve extensive use of the resources of the Smith College Museum of Art.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.
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