Aesthetics: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Art - CED00088C

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Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Spring Term 2023-24

Module aims

This module will examine recent developments in philosophical aesthetics from the perspective of the analytic tradition in philosophy, focusing on key texts from the latter half of the twentieth century.  The discipline is primarily concerned with establishing the foundations upon which the criticism and appreciation of the various art forms is based and consists of five main issues which concern all art forms: definition, ontology, properties, interpretation, and value.  The question of fictionality and its relation to human emotions will also be addressed.  The module provides a basic introduction to the application of philosophical analysis to the theory and practice of art.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of a selection of key texts in philosophical aesthetics. 
• Compare and contrast different approaches to one of the issues in philosophical aesthetics.
• Analyse and evaluate a selection of key texts in philosophical aesthetics.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

The tutor will give regular individual verbal and written feedback throughout the module on work submitted.

The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings

Indicative reading

• Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art: The Analytic Tradition: An Anthology, edited by P. Lamarque & S.H. Olsen, Blackwell, 2003
• Art and Imagination, Roger Scruton, Methuen, 1974
• Mimesis as Make-Believe: On The Foundations of the Representational Arts, Kendall L. Walton, Harvard University Press, 1990.