Aesthetics is concerned with the study of the nature of beauty, judgment, and taste, as well as myriad issues such the nature of language, representation, genius, and history. We will discuss them all. We will also read and discuss important, influential figures from the history of art theory, including Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant, Tolstoy, and Nietzsche, but also more 'contemporary' theorists such as Heidegger and Danto. From our readings of these figures, the genuine meaning of artwork, while always in dispute, will come into focus. These are disputed questions, but after encountering these thinkers, we will be better participants in the dispute.
Art is more than just theories of beauty and taste.
There are also problems unique to certain kinds of art. The authors in this section of the course will discuss problems and issues specific to a particular art form, as well as clarify what exactly is going on in photography, film, dance, and performance art. This is an important approach to art, for there are limits imposed on every art form. The simple fact is that there is no substitute for looking at art . So, I have put together some links to help you get along in cyberspace, looking for interesting artworks.