Course Catalogue

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This course introduces students to a number of main issues in the philosophy of art and aesthetics the philosophical study of beauty and taste, and exploring the theories of Hume, Kant and Danto theory of art.

16x1hr lectures; 4x1hr seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in Philosophy and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Successful completion of Junior Honours Philosophy, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes.

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The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Essay (2000 words) - 65%

■ Written assignment (1000 words) - 35%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the essay and written piece, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

This course aims to:

■ Critically assess a number of main issues in the philosophy of art and aesthetics.

■ Introduce philosophical aesthetics throughout the question 'What is Art?'

■ Review the definition of Art/Institutional Theory

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ Give an account of Hume's philosophical aims in 'Of the standard of taste';

■ Expound and critically discuss Kant's theory of aesthetic judgement;

■ Critically discuss theories of artistic expression and meaning;

■ Describe and assess the prospects for a substantive theory of art;

■ Understand and discuss Danto's theory of art and the related institutional theory.