Aesthetics:Diversity in Criticism

and Analysis of the ArtsJulie Van Camp

Fulbright LecturerComenius University

Professor of PhilosophyCalifornia State University, Long Beach

Weeks 2-3 (24 Sept. & 1 October)

• What is aesthetics? Critical thinking about art?

• What is art criticism? • What are philosophical questions

and methodologies? • How does philosophical “talk” about

art differ from art appreciation, art history, and art criticism?

What is Aesthetics? A set of rules or

standards dictated by critics to artists

Pertaining to surface or perceptual properties: "redness" "smoothness“

Philosophy of art

What is Philosophy?

Big picture questions Broad perspectives and

interconnections Implicit assumptions:

what's between the lines? Good reasoning Close examination of key

terms and concepts

Philosophical Questions

Metaphysics: nature of realityWhat is real?What exists

Epistemology: theory of knowledgeWhat do we know?How do we know it?

Value theory: meaning of "good" In human behavior (ethics) In art

Talk About Art

<Art Appreciation<Art History<Art Criticism

Talk About Talk About Art

Aesthetics (Philosophy of art)

Weeks 4-5 (8 & 15 October)

• The nature of art from different theoretical vantage points

• How do different assumptions change what we see (formalist vs. expressionist vs. representation)

Aesthetic Theories(Stances)

Purposes

< Explanation< Definition of art< Essence of art< Characteristics or nature

of art< Heuristic: educate

viewing public< Standards for good art

Aesthetic Theories(Stances)

Examples:

< Representation-imitation< Expression-emotion< Communication of moral

and religious ideas< Symbolic (non-verbal)

communication< Formalism< Instrumentalism-

experience

Essentialism

Search for the "essence" of art

< Properties of the object (representation, expression, formalism, symbolism, etc.

< Intentions of the creator

< Intentions of the audience/observers

Types ofAesthetic Questions

Focus on:

< Art works

< Artists

< Audience/perceivers

< Context: art world/society

Week 6 Midterm Exam (22 October)

• You will be given an example of art and asked to discuss it from the vantage point of specific ideas to this point

• Goal: to demonstrate ability to explicitly apply theoretical ideas to the analysis of art

• You must write in your own words, but may refer to books and notes in developing your answer

Week 7 (29 October)

• Critical perspectives:

• The elements of description, interpretation, evaluation/judgment

• Evaluation of art: the meaning of the word “good”

What is art criticism?• Art “criticism” = art evaluation

• Elements of art criticism:– Description of the work– Interpretation and context– Judgment of the work

• Art criticism vs. philosophy of art– Criticism: individual analysis moving

toward the general– Philosophy: general moving toward the

individual

The Value of Art

< Aesthetic value< Moral value< Personal value< Cognitive value< Economic value< Practical value< Religious value< Political value< Therapeutic value

Criticism or Aesthetics?

< Art criticism: Art Evaluation

< Aesthetics: philosophy of art

< Philosophy of art criticism

Weeks 8-9 (5 & 12 November)

• The significance of gender, race, and culture in art criticism

• Examples: U.S. Diversity: African-American, Latino, Asian-American, Native American

• Do the U.S. experiences apply to Slovakia? How are they similar and different?

Weeks 10-11 (19 & 26 November)

• Teaching Aesthetics

• Interdisciplinary

• Active learning

Learning Outcomes

< Knowledge, information

< Skills: philosophical inquiry/analysis, critical thinking

< Attitudes, tendencies

Teaching Aesthetics

< Big questions chart

< Philosophical puzzles

< Great debates

< In-out-maybe activities

Leading an Aesthetics Discussion

< Carefully examine key terms and concepts

< Consider clarity and consistency of reasons

< Make explicit the reasons or evidence that are the basis for conclusions

< Consider alternative viewpoints

< Hypotheticals: "what if" questions

Using Puzzle Problems

"Case Studies" or "Great Debates"

< Avoid "yes" or "no" answers

< Include "facts" supportive of both sides

< Get all reasons "on the table"

< Argue for a side you don't happen to agree with

Week 12 (3 December)

• Summary and Review

• Final papers: due Thursday, 6 December (preferred: send as e-mail attachment)

• Final exam: week of 7 January