Philosophy
Current Students: Undergraduates
Core Modules and Options at Level 9
PHI9N4 - Aesthetics
Horror films are supposed to terrify us, disgust us, disturb our sleep, and make us afraid. Why, then, do so many people choose to watch them, and even claim to enjoy them? This is ‘the paradox of horror’, and it is a central question of contemporary aesthetics. It might seem strange to discuss horror films in a course on aesthetics and the philosophy of art. After all, are horror films really art? What is art, anyway? A portrait by Leonardo da Vinci is usually considered art – but what about The Exorcist, or Tracey Emin’s infamous unmade bed? Artworks are usually thought to be the objects of aesthetic judgements. We say that artworks can be beautiful, ugly, powerful, moving, funny, silly, and strange. When we say these things, are we making judgements that are capable of being plainly true or plainly false, or are we merely expressing our personal preferences? In this course, we will examine these and other questions, making reference to a range of different art forms – painting, sculpture, music, literature and film.
Outcomes
This unit will introduce students to the main issues in contemporary aesthetics. It aims to improved students skills in critical reading, critical thinking and clear communication. It also aims to introduce them to new ways of thinking about artworks, and so to deepen their understanding and appreciation of art and the philosophical questions it raises.
Reading
There will be no textbook for this module. All core readings will be contained in a course reader to be distributed at the beginning of the semester.
Useful background reading can be found on the following online article:http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aesthetic-judgment/
Availability: |
Honours (semesters 4 or 6), 3 year and General Degree students |
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Prerequisite |
Any two of PHI911, PHI912, & PHI913 |
Assessment: |
Coursework: one required essay, 50%; final three-hour examination, 50%. Students may choose to submit a second essay to improve their coursework grade. |
Teaching Pattern: |
Two one-lectures and one one-hour seminar each week |
Regulations: |
Seminars on this unit are prescribed, and seminars involving presenatations are compulsory. The rationale for prescribing these classes may be found in the Philosophy Student Handbook, section F. This section also contains regulations relating to the submission of coursework, and other matters. |
Please contact Adrian Haddock if you would like to know more about this module.