Aesthetics
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
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.
Expected learning outcomes
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.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course explores the fundamental concepts of aesthetics: judgment of taste, fruition, genius, creativity, with a continuous focus on and interrelation with the figurative, performing, literary and musical arts. The eighteenth-century foundations of aesthetics, which will be analyzed in depth, will serve to contextualize strictly current issues in art. The course also aims to analyze the issue of aesthetic reception. What are the social, cultural and philosophical factors that make aesthetic enjoyment a complex and stratified issue? The spectator is analyzed studying the balance between the genesis of its constitutive variations and the identification of its persistent characteristics. A case study will be addressed through a well-known spectator: Denis Diderot.
Part A (20 hours, 3 CFU): Introduction to Aesthetics and its Categories, particularly the Sublime.
Part B (20 hours, 3 CFU): What is 'luxury'?
Part C (20 hours, 3 CFU): A case study: Diderot and the Salons
Part A (20 hours, 3 CFU): Introduction to Aesthetics and its Categories, particularly the Sublime.
Part B (20 hours, 3 CFU): What is 'luxury'?
Part C (20 hours, 3 CFU): A case study: Diderot and the Salons
Prerequisites for admission
Course's attendance does not involve any particular prerequisites since it introduces the main themes of Aesthetics as a philosophical discipline. It requires propensity and passion for the figurative and performing arts and excellent knowledge of the Italian language.
Teaching methods
Lectures based on analysis, synthesis, discussion of philosophical texts, intended to foster student's ability to elaborate a critical point of view on the relevant subjects.
Students are reminded that the Bachelor's thesis in Aesthetics may include a critical reflection on artificial intelligence, particularly regarding its aesthetic implications and its impact on contemporary modes of artistic experience. Furthermore, the thesis may involve the integration of digital, telematic, and AI-based tools, promoting a conscious and methodologically grounded use of technological resources in the development and articulation of the research.
Students are reminded that the Bachelor's thesis in Aesthetics may include a critical reflection on artificial intelligence, particularly regarding its aesthetic implications and its impact on contemporary modes of artistic experience. Furthermore, the thesis may involve the integration of digital, telematic, and AI-based tools, promoting a conscious and methodologically grounded use of technological resources in the development and articulation of the research.
Teaching Resources
Bibliography for attending students
Part A
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Lineamenti di Estetica, Le Monnier, 2015 (parts indicated in class).
Part B
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Il senso del limite. Il dolore, l'eccesso, l'osceno, Le Monnier, 2009 (parts indicated in class).
M. Mazzocut-Mis (ed.), Estetica del lusso, Cortina 2025 (parts indicated in class).
Part C
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Pensare con l'immagine, Le Monnier 2025
Bibliography for non-attending students
Part A
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Lineamenti di Estetica, Le Monnier, 2015.
Part B
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Il senso del limite. Il dolore, l'eccesso, l'osceno, Le Monnier, 2009.
M. Mazzocut-Mis (ed.), Estetica del lusso, Cortina 2025.
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Estetica della fruizione. Sentimento, giudizio di gusto e piacere estetico, Lupetti, 2008.
Part C
D. Diderot, I Salons, Bompani, 2021 (Salons 1761, 1763, 1765 e 1767).
Part A
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Lineamenti di Estetica, Le Monnier, 2015 (parts indicated in class).
Part B
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Il senso del limite. Il dolore, l'eccesso, l'osceno, Le Monnier, 2009 (parts indicated in class).
M. Mazzocut-Mis (ed.), Estetica del lusso, Cortina 2025 (parts indicated in class).
Part C
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Pensare con l'immagine, Le Monnier 2025
Bibliography for non-attending students
Part A
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Lineamenti di Estetica, Le Monnier, 2015.
Part B
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Il senso del limite. Il dolore, l'eccesso, l'osceno, Le Monnier, 2009.
M. Mazzocut-Mis (ed.), Estetica del lusso, Cortina 2025.
M. Mazzocut-Mis, Estetica della fruizione. Sentimento, giudizio di gusto e piacere estetico, Lupetti, 2008.
Part C
D. Diderot, I Salons, Bompani, 2021 (Salons 1761, 1763, 1765 e 1767).
Assessment methods and Criteria
L'esame consiste in una prova scritta alla fine del corso (mese di maggio) e indirizzata ai frequentanti. Si tratta di test a risposta multipla sui testi previsti per le unità didattiche A, B e C. Gli studenti frequentanti potranno, in sostituzione della prova scritta e durante le date previste per gli appelli d'esame, sostenere una prova orale, che consiste in un colloquio sugli argomenti a programma, volto ad accertare le conoscenze e le competenze acquisite. Gli studenti non frequentanti dovranno sostenere una prova orale, durante le date previste per gli appelli d'esame, che consiste in un colloquio sugli argomenti a programma delle unità didattiche A, B e C (vedi "Bibliografia per studenti non frequentanti").
Avvertenza
Gli studenti internazionali o Erasmus incoming sono invitati a prendere tempestivamente contatto con il docente titolare del corso.
Le modalità d'esame per studenti con disabilità e/o con DSA dovranno essere concordate con il docente, in accordo con l'Ufficio competente.
Avvertenza
Gli studenti internazionali o Erasmus incoming sono invitati a prendere tempestivamente contatto con il docente titolare del corso.
Le modalità d'esame per studenti con disabilità e/o con DSA dovranno essere concordate con il docente, in accordo con l'Ufficio competente.
Professor(s)