PHIL 260: Philosophy of Art

This course offers an introduction to the philosophical issues that arise as we reflect upon art. For instance, what makes something a work of art? What is an aesthetic experience? What relationship is there between artists and their works? Are objective judgments of art possible? In exploring answers to these questions, we will survey the ideas of thinkers such as: Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Tolstoy, Dewey, Bell, Collingwood, Goodman, and Danto. A wide variety of illustrations: from music, literature, film, painting, etc. will also be included.