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Philosophy of Art - An introduction
Funding area Humanities and social sciences (Entry Level)
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To enrol on this course please enter your course enrolment password into the box below.
Check your eligibility
You must meet the entry requirements for the course
- You must be a UK national, or an Irish national, or an EEA national with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement scheme
- You must have been resident in the UK or an EEA country continuously for the 3 years preceding the start date of your course. For learners living in the Greater London Authority area only you must have valid permission to live in the UK for at least 12 months in duration from the start date of your course.
- You must be aged 19 or over as at the 31st August 2024 for courses in the 2024/25 academic year
- You must agree to commit to and complete an Individual Learning Plan in agreement with your course tutor
Who can join this course
What is art? What is aesthetic experience? How have philosophers thought about beauty? Why did Plato ban the poets from his ideal Republic? These and other questions will be addressed in this introductory course on the philosophy of art. We will encounter some of the greatest minds of Western philosophy, including Plato, Aristotle, David Hume, and Immanuel Kant. A background in philosophy is not required to enjoy this course, but be prepared to engage with difficult texts and have your assumptions questioned!
This course is open to anyone with an interest in the philosophy of art, regardless of their background in philosophy. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply a curious individual, you are welcome to join. No prior knowledge of philosophy is required, making this course accessible to beginners. However, those with some familiarity with philosophical concepts will also find the material enriching and thought-provoking.
Is this course for me
If you have ever pondered the nature of art, questioned what makes something beautiful, or wondered about the role of art in society, then this course is for you. It is designed for individuals who enjoy engaging with challenging ideas and are open to having their perspectives broadened. You will benefit from this course if you are willing to read complex texts, participate in thoughtful discussions, and critically examine your own assumptions about art and aesthetics.