Philosophy of Art (LA)

Subject associations
PHI 326 / HUM 326 / COM 363
Term
Fall 2022
Instructors
Margaret Shea
Michael Smith
Registrar description

Why do we like some works of art more than others? Can an evil artwork be beautiful? How do aesthetic and interpretive norms vary across mediums? The aim of this course is to introduce students to philosophical issues about the nature of art objects and their interpretation, with a special focus on film and literature. On-going topics of discussion will include the relationship between moral and aesthetic evaluation, the interpretive significance of medium, and the nature of fictional representation. Assignments will include watching films, which will be central subjects of class conversation.