SCFC670
The Philosophy of Art
We will explore attempts to philosophically understand the nature and value of art (painting, sculpture, music, literature, and film). The course presupposes no formal study of art, but an informal interest will help.
We will discuss traditional thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Hume, and Kant, as well as some more recent thinkers. We will critically evaluate attempts to answer several questions: What (if anything) distinguishes art from non-art, good art from bad, and "high" art from "low" art? What is beauty? Are all evaluative judgments about art purely subjective—nothing but personal expressions of preference or taste?
Since these are all philosophical questions, and hence controversial, there will be ample opportunity for friendly discussion and debate.
Please note that enrolment in this course is limited to adults 55+.
| Section | Sessions | Dates | Time | Campus | Instructor(s) | Cost | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCFC670-VA1121 | 6 - Wed | Feb 22–Mar 28 | 1:30–3:20 pm | Van | Bill Barthelemy | $104 | Closed |
You may take this course as part of the following program:
What will I learn?
We will examine the following questions and topics:
- Week 1 - Introduction: What is art? Three theories of art (which we will discuss throughout the course): (a) Representationalism, (b) Expressionism, (c) Formalism, Plato's theory of art as mimesis/imitation
- Week 2 - Continuation of Plato and his antipathy towards the artist/poet in general and toward Homer in particular, Aristotle's much more favorable attitude toward the artist/poet
- Week 3 - Continuation of Aristotle, Medieval aesthetics, and Leo Tolstoy's challenge
- Week 4 - Can there be a standard of taste? Francis Hutcheson and David Hume
- Week 5 - Kant and 19th-century theories of art
- Week 6 - Leo Tolstoy's expressionist/communication theory of art and Clive Bell's formalist theory of art
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- Discussion (may vary from class to class)
- Papers (applicable only to certificate students)
Who should take this course?
This course is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the philosophical nature and value of art.
How will I be evaluated?
(For certificate students only)
Your instructor will evaluate you based on an essay you will complete at the end of the course. You will receive a grade of “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory.”
Textbooks and learning materials
Reading material (if applicable) will be available in class. Some course materials may be available online.