Accessibility statement

Aesthetics - PHI00091I

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  • Department: Philosophy
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

To introduce students to some of the key issues and concepts in contemporary analytical aesthetics (philosophy of art), in relation to a range of art forms, including the visual arts, music, and literature.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

  • To introduce students to some of the key issues and concepts in contemporary analytical philosophy of art, in relation to a range of art forms, including the visual arts, music, and literature;
  • To explore in particular such topics as: the bounds of art and attempts to define ‘art’; ontology; representation; interpretation; the cognitive claims of art (truth and knowledge); popular vs fine art; and the putative values of art.
  • To engage some of the main debates in this area and critically reflect on the grounds for disagreements;
  • To reflect on some of the strengths and weaknesses of the application of analytical methods in philosophy to debates in the philosophy of art;
  • To develop students’ abilities to improve their own work—e.g. by making good use of feedback

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

—understand and explain a range of key problems, issues, and debates in analytic philosophy of art and express this understanding in clear, precise, and accessible terms

—develop and articulate ranges of alternative solutions to problems and issues in analytic philosophy of art in an open-minded way, drawing on module materials

—develop and articulate arguments for the alternative solutions considered in relation to problems and issues in analytic philosophy of art, drawing on module materials, identifying some points of weakness and some potential points for development

—make a judgement about what is the best view on a particular problem in analytic philosophy of art and argue in defence of this judgement

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) 30

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) 30

Module feedback

Feedback on formative work will be returned within 2 weeks of submission, and by the end of term at the latest. Feedback on summative work will be returned within 4 weeks of the assessment deadline.

Indicative reading

Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art: the Analytic Tradition: An Anthology, eds. Peter Lamarque & Stein Haugom Olsen, Second Edition (Blackwell)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.