Philosophy of Art Richard Lee
Philosophy 4403 Spring 2006

Instructor: Richard Lee (Office hours)
Course number: Philosophy 4403
Isis number: 3025 (graduate), 3026 (undergraduate)
Time: MWF 12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Room: FNAR 213

Brief Description:
This will be a philosophical exploration of the nature of art. Questions to be addressed include: What is an art work? What is it to create art? What kinds of art are there? What differences are there between different kinds of art (e.g. in the medium, the permanence of the result, etc.)? What is the role of the artist's intention in determining whether something is art? What is its role in interpreting an art work? What is the relation between art and meaning? What is it to appreciate something aesthetically? What are aesthetic properties? What makes art good?

We will read writings by philosophers on art and aesthetics from ancient to contemporary, with an emphasis on more recent writings. An attempt has been made to stick with (relatively) clear writings. While visual art will be emphasized, there will also be discussion of music, performance, and other arts.

Sophomore standing. No course prerequisites.

Text:
The Philosophy of Art: Readings Ancient and Modern edited by Alex Neill & Aaron Ridley (McGraw-Hill, 1995) ISBN=0-07-046192-9
Reserve Readings

Other information:

Richard Lee, rlee@uark.edu, last modified: 3 May 2006