PHL 310 Philosophy of Art (3 credits)

An examination of the philosophical questions arising from the human activity of creating and appreciating art (of all kinds: visual, musical, literary, etc.). Questions can include: the relation of perception and aesthetic appreciation to knowledge; the relation between emotion and belief; the relation between artist/creator, audience/spectator, and art work. How is art distinguished from nature as possible object of aesthetic appreciation? Must art even be aesthetic? If not, how is the category ‘art’ defined, and by whom?