Aesthetics (p) (2005/2006)

Learning outcomes

To highlight the complexity of the philosophical issues of aesthetics. To raise questions about art and beauty, but also about aesthetics as world of perception and feelings. Aesthetics is both the study of beauty and art and a term denoting those properties of an entity relating to sensibility (Kant for example calls aesthetics the science dealing with the conditions of sensible perception). Aesthetics is not art criticism or art history. We will explore the philosophical area of aesthetics. Goal of aesthetics as well as of philosophy is “to create concepts” (Gilles Deleuze) investigating the ontological significance of the works of art as well as their relationship with the history and the life of men. We will also examine some examples of art in order

The focal point will be the discussion about the relationship among art, life and thought in Nietzsche’s late works. The course begins with the highlight of Nietzsche’s concept of Dionysiac and ends with the discussion of Eternal Return and Will to Power.

The oral exam includes discussion of the main concepts of the texts listed in the bibliography.