PHL2270

Introduction to aesthetics

(ART)

Dirk Baltzly

8 points + 3 hours per week + Second semester + Clayton

Synopsis: The subject has three parts. In the first part we consider some answers to the questions, /What is art?0 and /Why is art valuable?0 We also examine a set of arguments to the effect that there can be no definition of art. The second part of the subject concerns the objectivity of aesthetic judgements. In the third part we consider the question of interpretive judgements. We frequently disagree about what works of art mean. What determines the meaning of a literary work? The author0s intention? The reader0s response?

Assessment: Two essays (2500 words each) or essay and exam (2 hours): 40% each + Examination (1 hour): 20%