PHIL 185.001 –  Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art

Instructor: Pavel Nitchovski. This course meets MW 3:35 – 4:50 p.m. in GA 007.

In this course, we will survey a broad set of philosophical issues about the nature of beauty and aesthetic taste. Such issues include the objectivity of beauty and taste, the role of aesthetic judgement in broader social practices, and the relationship between ethics and aesthetics. We will also discuss some specific philosophical puzzles posed “bad” art, cultural appropriation, public monuments, and street art.

Students will learn about this material by engaging with their peers in class discussions, which will be firmly grounded in readings. No background in philosophy or art is presupposed. Intellectual curiosity and ability to engage with your peers in open and respectful dialogue are required.