Aesthetics of the Environment and Landscape
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a theoretical background on the essential features of "Aesthetics" as a philosophical discipline. Specifically, the course will offer an introduction to the "Aesthetics of environment" (beginning with a phenomenological approach to the notions of "lived space" and "Lebenswelt - world of life") as well as to the "Aesthetics of landscape" (particularly as regards the aesthetic categories of the beautiful and the sublime and their contemporary relevance). The proposed reflections will also be discussed in the light of modes of manifestations of contemporary environments and landscapes: (i) those that are 'natural' and anthropic; (ii) those that are emerging from virtual reality and artificial intelligence; (iii) those that are being redefined by the interactions of these first two directions, for example in augmented or mixed reality (AR; MR)
Expected learning outcomes
By the course's conclusion, students will be able to develop a critical-philosophical approach to the aesthetic categories discussed and notions of "environment" and "landscape". They will be able to apply this knowledge to study the geographical sciences, including their naturalistic, anthropic, and digital components. Students will also gain a new perspective on philosophical questions raised by the new types of environments and landscapes, enabling them to better understand the contemporary "world of life (Lebenswelt)". These skills can be developed both in order to think about new possibilities of territory valorizations and, in an ecological direction, sustainable development of environmental resources.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
Title: On the Advantage and Disadvantage of Beauty for the Environment
The course is structured into three teaching units.
The first unit will provide an introduction to phenomenology, with particular attention to the notion of environment (Umwelt) and to the "human" and "animal" ways in which being-in-an-environment is articulated.
The second unit will explore the question of the advantage and disadvantage of beauty in the development of animal and human life, offering a critical examination of its "natural history."
The third unit will promote a critical reflection on the role that beauty can play in the constitution of the human environment, particularly in light of its relationship with the economic and performance-oriented aims of social life.
Part A (20 hours, 3 ECTS): Human and Animal Environments
Part B (20 hours, 3 ECTS): The Advantage and Disadvantage of Beauty in Natural History
Part C (20 hours, 3 ECTS): Beauty, Economy, and Performativity
The course is structured into three teaching units.
The first unit will provide an introduction to phenomenology, with particular attention to the notion of environment (Umwelt) and to the "human" and "animal" ways in which being-in-an-environment is articulated.
The second unit will explore the question of the advantage and disadvantage of beauty in the development of animal and human life, offering a critical examination of its "natural history."
The third unit will promote a critical reflection on the role that beauty can play in the constitution of the human environment, particularly in light of its relationship with the economic and performance-oriented aims of social life.
Part A (20 hours, 3 ECTS): Human and Animal Environments
Part B (20 hours, 3 ECTS): The Advantage and Disadvantage of Beauty in Natural History
Part C (20 hours, 3 ECTS): Beauty, Economy, and Performativity
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisites are required for this course, as it serves as an introduction to the main topics of Aesthetics. Students are, however, expected to show interest in the environmental sciences from a philosophical perspective and to have an excellent command of the Italian language.
Teaching methods
Lectures based on analysis, synthesis, and discussion of philosophical texts, intended to foster students' ability to elaborate a critical point of view on the relevant subjects.
Teaching Resources
Part A
J. Von Uexküll, Ambienti animali e ambienti umani. Una passeggiata in mondi sconosciuti e invisibili, Quodlibet, Macerata, 2010.
Part B
L. Bartalesi, Storia naturale dell'estetica, Einaudi, Torino, 2024.
Part C
M. Mazzocut-Mis (a cura di), Estetica del lusso, Cortina, 2025 (parti indicate a lezione).
Required Reading for Non-Attending Students:
Parte A
J. Von Uexküll, Ambienti animali e ambienti umani. Una passeggiata in mondi sconosciuti e invisibili, Quodlibet, Macerata, 2010.
F. Nietzsche, Sull'utilità e il danno della storia per la vita, Adelphi, Milano
Parte B
L. Bartalesi, Storia naturale dell'estetica, Einaudi, Torino, 2024.
T. Pievani, Tutti i mondi possibili, Cortina, Milano, 2024.
Parte C
M. Mazzocut-Mis (a cura di), Estetica del lusso, Cortina, 2025 (parti indicate a lezione).
J. Von Uexküll, Ambienti animali e ambienti umani. Una passeggiata in mondi sconosciuti e invisibili, Quodlibet, Macerata, 2010.
Part B
L. Bartalesi, Storia naturale dell'estetica, Einaudi, Torino, 2024.
Part C
M. Mazzocut-Mis (a cura di), Estetica del lusso, Cortina, 2025 (parti indicate a lezione).
Required Reading for Non-Attending Students:
Parte A
J. Von Uexküll, Ambienti animali e ambienti umani. Una passeggiata in mondi sconosciuti e invisibili, Quodlibet, Macerata, 2010.
F. Nietzsche, Sull'utilità e il danno della storia per la vita, Adelphi, Milano
Parte B
L. Bartalesi, Storia naturale dell'estetica, Einaudi, Torino, 2024.
T. Pievani, Tutti i mondi possibili, Cortina, Milano, 2024.
Parte C
M. Mazzocut-Mis (a cura di), Estetica del lusso, Cortina, 2025 (parti indicate a lezione).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The objectives of the course will be assessed through an oral examination aimed at verifying that students have achieved mastery of the fundamental concepts introduced during the course and are able to apply them critically. Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to reconstruct the philosophical positions discussed in the course with argumentative clarity and to formulate, on that basis, original connections between the topics covered and possible new avenues of inquiry that may also intersect with themes addressed in other courses within the degree program.
Modules or teaching units
Part C
PHIL-04/A - Aesthetics - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Parts A and B
PHIL-04/A - Aesthetics - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor(s)