Philosophy 543 - Topics in Philosophy Of Art

This course examines various issues in the philosophy of art. Likely topics include (i) the nature of art and the distinction between art and non-art; (ii) questions about aesthetic value (Is it real? If so, how is it determined?); (iii) questions about the metaphysics of art objects (Into what ontological category should we place such disparate art objects as paintings, poems, symphonies, novels, fictional characters, dances, computer games, performances, etc.?); (iv) questions about what is expressed by works of art, and how this happens; and (v) the nature and role of emotion in various forms of art.