Aesthetics

The goal of the course is to lend students a theoretical background as regards the essential traits of «Aesthetics» as a philosophical discipline. In particular, the course will provide an introduction to the notion of «aesthetic category» (with a specific focus on «beautiful», «ugly», «sublime», «grotesque» and «kitsch») as well as an analysis of seminal concepts such as «genius», «creativity», «taste» and «reception». From year to year, it will also be possible to examine in depth the question of the relationship between image and reality or the relationship between fiction and reality.

At the end of the course, students will be able to develop a critical approach to the aesthetic categories discussed and apply the knowledge of these to aspects of the contemporary artistic debate. Students will also have acquired a new perspective on the practical implications of the theoretical results and accordingly they will be able to understand better their relationship with the iconic contemporary environment (visual arts) and with the performing arts in general. Therefore, they will have a greater awareness of the world of art, creation, receptions, and their contradictions and tensions.