Introduction to Philosophy of Art
Instructor: Timothy R. Quigley

Wassily Kandinsky,Composition IV, 1911

Course Description

In the Introduction to Philosophy of Art we focus on the visual arts, music, and literature. We emphasize the place of the arts and artists in society and the philosophical questions that arise. What is art? Is art, in general, a human good; roughly speaking, does it enhance human experience? Does art help us create a just society? What is the relation of art to nature? What makes objects beautiful? Is beauty a necessary feature of art? Are there ways to determine quality in works of art? Is there such a thing as truth and authenticity in art? What is artistic expression? Is there a connection between aesthetic and moral judgment?

This course will be of interest to students of philosophy, literature, visual and media studies, music, art and literary criticism.