AESTHETIC I

In consideration of the degree programmes in which it is offered, the course aims to achieve two primary objectives: 1) to provide an introduction to the history of aesthetics from the eighteenth-century origins to the contemporary perspectives, also through the reading and commentary of selected texts that are significant both for their pivotal role in shaping the discipline and for the theoretical debates they have generated and enriched over time; 2) to facilitate the acquisition and thorough mastery of key foundational concepts in aesthetics (work of art, aesthetic experience, aesthetic judgement, beauty, creativity, etc.) considered both in their historical and cultural dimension and in their theoretical significance.

The course aims to promote knowledge and understanding of the fundamental moments in the history of aesthetics, the principal aesthetic conceptions or theories developed from the eighteenth century to the contemporary era, and the associated terminological and conceptual formations and transformations.
In particular:
• knowledge and understanding: students should be able to read and comprehend an aesthetic-philosophical text independently, place it within its historical and cultural context, and identify its lines of argument; they should also be able to use aesthetic terminology accurately and master its core concepts;
• ability to apply knowledge and understanding, and judgment ability: finally, students should be able to compare the various aesthetic conceptions or theories studied, critically evaluating their underlying assumptions, arguments, and implications.

The course is an introduction to the fundamental issues of aesthetics, so there are no specific prerequisites. Knowledge of both the history of art and philosophical thought of the past two centuries will, of course, be helpful.

The course is divided into two parts: the first part will explore the aesthetic conceptions of some classics of philosophical aesthetics (Baumgarten, Hume, Kant, Schiller, Hegel, Schopenhauer), primarily through annotated readings of texts; the second part will focus, again favouring annotated readings of texts, on the aesthetics of Wittgenstein and the Wittgensteinians, as well as the reflections of certain representatives of the so-called “analytic aesthetics” (in particular, Danto and Goodman).

The exam syllabus is the same for both attending and non-attending students.

REQUIRED TEXTS
Selected passages from the following works:
‐ A.G. Baumgarten, Aesthetics.
‐ D. Hume, The Standard of Taste.
‐ I. Kant, Critique of the Power of Judgment.
‐ F. Schiller, Letters on the Aesthetic Education of Man.
‐ G.W.F. Hegel, Aesthetics.
‐ A. Schopenhauer, The World as Will and Representation.
‐ L. Wittgenstein, Lectures on Aesthetics.
‐ A. Danto, The Transfiguration of the Commonplace.
‐ N. Goodman, Languages of Art.
The detailed list with sections and page numbers will be made available during the course.

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS
Especially for those who have not attended the lectures or have only attended part of them, it may be helpful to consult:
‐ D’Angelo, P.; Franzini, E.; Scaramuzza, G. (2002), Estetica, Milano: Raffaello Cortina (anthology of texts with introductory commentary).

The learning will be assessed through a questionnaire consisting of 8-10 open-ended questions to be completed within two hours.

written

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

• 18-22 range: sufficient knowledge and understanding of the course content, judgment, and communication skills.
• 23-26 range: fair knowledge and understanding of the course content, judgment, and communication skills.
• 27-30 range: good or very good knowledge and understanding of the course content, judgment, and communication skills.
• 30 cum laude will be awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in knowledge and understanding of the course content, judgment, and communication skills.

• Face-to-face lectures.
• Reading of the core texts.
• Contributions from external scholars (if any).
The lecturer will present the main topics of the course, also through the guided reading of selected texts. Students will be encouraged to participate with questions, requests for clarification, and objections, and invited to propose possible solutions to the issues discussed, to develop arguments, and to provide relevant examples.

Accessibility, Disability, and Inclusion.
Ca’ Foscari applies Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) for support services and accommodations available to students with disabilities or specific language impairment. If you have a motor, visual, hearing, or other disability (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning disability (Law 170/2010) and require support (classroom assistance, technological aids for exams, individualized exams, accessible materials, note recovery, specialized tutoring to support your studies, interpreters, or other), please contact the Disability and SLI office at disabilita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development