Aesthetics
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to offer students the theoretical tools useful for a first orientation in the discipline through the deepening of the determinant phases of its historical development, from its origins to the twentieth century, and the reconstruction of the processes of formation of some of its instances in the context of the early-modern and modern philosophical landscape. In particular, it will proceed, through the in-depth analysis of some modern artistic and aesthetic currents, to critically reconstruct the relationship between art and philosophy in reference to the interpretation of languages and artistic communication in the modern world. The teaching is fully consistent with the objectives of the Course of Studies, which aims to ensure the acquisition of solid knowledge in the fields of communication by anchoring them to a strengthening the student's humanistic training.
Expected learning outcomes
The course aims to lead participants in the acquisition of necessary knowledge related to the history of the discipline from the origins to the main debates of the twentieth century on the role of the arts in modernity, also permitting them to achieve a critical understanding of the complexity of artistic and creative languages in the perspective of communication of modern aesthetic fact.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Title: Picasso. Avant-garde e Tradition
The course in its first module aims to offer to the students the theoretical tools for a first orientation in the discipline through the deepening of the most important phases of its historical development and the reconstruction of the processes of some of its instances in the context of the modern and contemporary philosophy.
In the second module, starting from the reading and commentary of some pages of Nietzsche's The Birth of Tragedy out from the Spirit of Music, the relationship between art and modernity will be addressed, with reference to Nietzsche's critique of philosophical and artistic modernity and his reception of German Romantic thought. Particular attention will also be dedicated to some contemporary artists, movements or artistic experiences whose poetics finds an explicit link with the thought of the German philosopher.
The third module will be dedicated to the reconstruction of the so-called "contemporary art system" through the confrontation with its main protagonists, from galleries to museums, from the world of criticism to that of the relationship between art and market.
The course in its first module aims to offer to the students the theoretical tools for a first orientation in the discipline through the deepening of the most important phases of its historical development and the reconstruction of the processes of some of its instances in the context of the modern and contemporary philosophy.
In the second module, starting from the reading and commentary of some pages of Nietzsche's The Birth of Tragedy out from the Spirit of Music, the relationship between art and modernity will be addressed, with reference to Nietzsche's critique of philosophical and artistic modernity and his reception of German Romantic thought. Particular attention will also be dedicated to some contemporary artists, movements or artistic experiences whose poetics finds an explicit link with the thought of the German philosopher.
The third module will be dedicated to the reconstruction of the so-called "contemporary art system" through the confrontation with its main protagonists, from galleries to museums, from the world of criticism to that of the relationship between art and market.
Prerequisites for admission
A summary knowledge of the main phases of the history of Western philosophy from antiquity to today is a preferential prerequisite.
Teaching methods
The course topics will be addressed through lectures, slides and teaching materials, especially in relation to the second module. The attendance, although not mandatory, is strongly recommended. Attending students are those who participate in at least two thirds of the lessons.
Teaching Resources
UNIT A: At the origin of aesthetics
Bibliography:
1) Estetica, Arte, Bellezza. Antologia di testi, a cura di G. Lacchin, Il Libraccio, Milano
2) W. Tatarkiewicz, Storia di sei idee, Aesthetica, Palermo 2004, capp. I, III, IV, VI
UNIT B: Nietzsche : Greekness and Modernity
Bibliography:
3) F. Nietzsche, La nascita della tragedia dallo spirito della musica (ed. chosen by students. Adelphi is recommended)
4) P. D'Angelo, L'estetica del romanticismo, Feltrinelli
5) W.F. Otto, Dioniso. Mito e culto, a cura di G. Moretti, Adelphi, Milano 2024
UNIT C: Communicate the contemporary
Bibliography:
6) A. Vettese, L'arte contemporanea. Tra mercato e nuovi linguaggi, il Mulino, Bologna 2017
7) F. Poli, Il sistema dell'arte contemporanea, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2002
PROGRAMMA NON FREQUENTANTI
UNIT A: At the origin of aesthetics
Bibliography:
1) Estetica, Arte, Bellezza. Antologia di testi, a cura di G. Lacchin, Il Libraccio, Milano
2) W. Tatarkiewicz, Storia di sei idee, Aesthetica, Palermo 2004, capp. I, III, IV, VI
UNIT B: Nietzsche: Greekness and Modernity
Bibliography:
3) F. Nietzsche, La nascita della tragedia dallo spirito della musica (ed. chosen by students. Adelphi is recommended)
4) P. D'Angelo, L'estetica del romanticismo, Feltrinelli
5) W.F. Otto, Dioniso. Mito e culto, a cura di G. Moretti, Adelphi, Milano 2024
To be added:
6) F. Nietzsche, La filosofia nell'epoca tragica dei Greci, tr. it. di G. Colli, Adelphi, Milano 2000 (pp. 5-127)
UNIT C: Communicate the contemporary
Bibliography:
7) A. Vettese, L'arte contemporanea. Tra mercato e nuovi linguaggi, il Mulino, Bologna 2017
8) F. Poli, Il sistema dell'arte contemporanea, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2002
Bibliography:
1) Estetica, Arte, Bellezza. Antologia di testi, a cura di G. Lacchin, Il Libraccio, Milano
2) W. Tatarkiewicz, Storia di sei idee, Aesthetica, Palermo 2004, capp. I, III, IV, VI
UNIT B: Nietzsche : Greekness and Modernity
Bibliography:
3) F. Nietzsche, La nascita della tragedia dallo spirito della musica (ed. chosen by students. Adelphi is recommended)
4) P. D'Angelo, L'estetica del romanticismo, Feltrinelli
5) W.F. Otto, Dioniso. Mito e culto, a cura di G. Moretti, Adelphi, Milano 2024
UNIT C: Communicate the contemporary
Bibliography:
6) A. Vettese, L'arte contemporanea. Tra mercato e nuovi linguaggi, il Mulino, Bologna 2017
7) F. Poli, Il sistema dell'arte contemporanea, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2002
PROGRAMMA NON FREQUENTANTI
UNIT A: At the origin of aesthetics
Bibliography:
1) Estetica, Arte, Bellezza. Antologia di testi, a cura di G. Lacchin, Il Libraccio, Milano
2) W. Tatarkiewicz, Storia di sei idee, Aesthetica, Palermo 2004, capp. I, III, IV, VI
UNIT B: Nietzsche: Greekness and Modernity
Bibliography:
3) F. Nietzsche, La nascita della tragedia dallo spirito della musica (ed. chosen by students. Adelphi is recommended)
4) P. D'Angelo, L'estetica del romanticismo, Feltrinelli
5) W.F. Otto, Dioniso. Mito e culto, a cura di G. Moretti, Adelphi, Milano 2024
To be added:
6) F. Nietzsche, La filosofia nell'epoca tragica dei Greci, tr. it. di G. Colli, Adelphi, Milano 2000 (pp. 5-127)
UNIT C: Communicate the contemporary
Bibliography:
7) A. Vettese, L'arte contemporanea. Tra mercato e nuovi linguaggi, il Mulino, Bologna 2017
8) F. Poli, Il sistema dell'arte contemporanea, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2002
Assessment methods and Criteria
La prova di valutazione finale consiste in un colloquio sugli argomenti a programma, volto ad accertare le conoscenze di storia dell'estetica acquisite e la capacità di farle interagire all'interno dell'orizzonte problematico contemporaneo relativo al mondo delle arti, della creatività e della comunicazione.
Il voto verrà espresso in trentesimi.
Gli studenti nazionali e internazionali o Erasmus incoming saranno invitati a prendere tempestivamente contatto col docente titolare del corso. Le modalità d'esame per studenti con disabilità e/o con DSA dovranno essere concordate col docente, in accordo con l'Ufficio competente.
Il voto verrà espresso in trentesimi.
Gli studenti nazionali e internazionali o Erasmus incoming saranno invitati a prendere tempestivamente contatto col docente titolare del corso. Le modalità d'esame per studenti con disabilità e/o con DSA dovranno essere concordate col docente, in accordo con l'Ufficio competente.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
M-FIL/04 - AESTHETICS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
M-FIL/04 - AESTHETICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)