This course is an introduction to aesthetics, the philosophical study of art and beauty. We will critically discuss philosophical issues concerning the nature of art objects as well as their interpretation and evaluation, with a special focus on music and fictions. We will explore questions such as: What is the nature of art? Is there a definition, or a set of criteria, to distinguish art from non-art? What kind of thing is an artwork (e.g., a painting, a musical work, a novel)? To what extent does an artist determine the nature of the art that they produce? What is the nature of aesthetic experience? If some art provokes unpleasant experiences (e.g., horror fictions, tragedies), why is it sought after or enjoyed? What is the nature of aesthetic judgments? Is there a “standard of taste”? Or can aesthetic opinions be factually disputed?
While other disciplines set their sights on art as well, philosophy does so in a distinctive way, which this course will introduce you to. Prior exposure to philosophy or knowledge of art is not required.

Nigel Warburton, The Art Question (excerpts); Jeffrey Dean, “The Nature of Concepts and the Definition of Art"; Aaron Meskin, “From Defining Art to Defining the Individual Arts”; Dominic Lopes, “Nobody Needs a Theory of Art”; Stephen Davies, “Ontology of Art”; Amie Thomasson, “The Ontology of Art”; David Fridell, “How to Change an Artwork”; Achille C. Varzi, “Cover to Cover”; Frank Sibley, “Aesthetic Concepts”; Kendall Walton, “Categories of Art,” “Fearing Fictions”; Nick Zangwill, “In Defence of Moderate Aesthetic Formalism”; Jenefer Robinson, “Listening with Emotion”; Hume, “Of the Standard of Taste”; Kant, “Judgments About the Beautiful”; Noël Carroll, “Criticism and Interpretation”