Aesthetics B

This 30 credits course consists of three parts: two sub-courses and an essay. In the first sub-course, **Philosophical Aesthetics: Three Central Problems** (15 credits), we study three central problems within philosophical aesthetics. We start by looking at a specific aesthetic concept (for instance, _aesthetic value_, _aesthetic experience_ or _aesthetic judgment_) and investigate various theories and definitions of how the concept should be understood. Secondly, we turn to an issue about art in general or a specific art form to gain insight into how art may affect us and why we think that art is valuable (for instance: "Can music express emotions?" or "How does a painting differ from a photograph?"). We end by looking at an issue that concerns the broadening of aesthetics into domains outside of art (for instance: "How do we experience nature aesthetically?" or "Can functional or everyday objects be beautiful?"). The specific issues treated may vary from semester to semester. After the first sub-course, you take the sub-course **Ontology of Art**_. _The course introduces you to some of the philosophical questions that arise in connection with the ontology of art. What kind of entities are musical works? Are works of fiction identical to literary texts? What is the relation between a sculpture and the physical material which constitutes it? How do restoration and conservation affect the work? What is the difference between a copy and an original? It may seem natural to think of some artworks primarily as actions whereas others are first and foremost material objects. But should we in fact conceive of all artworks as actions? While the two courses above will give you a deepened understanding of issues, theories and arguments within philosophical aesthetics, the aim of the **essay** (7.5 credits) is to provide you with training in the writing of academic essays and to let you develop and formulate your own thoughts about an aesthetic issue. Note: Exchange students whose home universities do not accept essays at this level may replace the essay course with an elective course. If this is your situation, contact the [Director of studies, Bachelor's level](https://www.uu.se/en/department/philosophy/contact), for courses available.