There are no prerequisites for this course.

The student is able to analyze theoretical texts about art independently. S/he is able to reflect on a given philosophical problem (formulated in an abstract manner).

The student has a basic knowledge of Western cultural history, which will form the background against which historical developments in arts, aesthetics, and philosophy are discussed during this course.

The student is sensitive to the philosophical problems surrounding the work of art and the social role of art.

The student has gained insight into the development of western philosophy. S/he has developed a basic overview of the history of philosophy of the early modern and late modern periods (philosophers, concepts, main schools).

The student has developed an understanding of the main (historical) positions in the field of the philosophy and theory of art. The student is able to link these positions to important developments in the history of philosophy.

The student has developed a historical sensitivity to the changing ideas in the field of aesthetics.

The student can read and analyze a philosophical text. S/he is able to follow and reconstruct a philosophical argument, and is able to construct a philosophical argument by her/himself (under guidance).

Three questions are central to this course:

1. What is beauty?
2. What are the characteristics of a work of art? What is the structure of a work of art? (aesthetics of form)
3. What happens between a work of art and a spectator? How does the work of art affect the spectator? (aesthetics of effect)

From this point of view, the course surveys the history of western philosophy, discussing the main currents during the early modern and the late modern periods.

For this course, you will need the textbook Philosophy of Art: A historical introduction, which will be available through the bookstore at the start of the semester.