Philosophy and aesthetics

About this course

The course explores how contemporary aesthetics rethinks art, perception and meaning through three major continental philosophers. Topics include Deleuze’s concepts of sensation and affect, Rancière’s account of art’s political dimensions, and Lyotard’s treatment of the sublime, postmodernism and the limits of representation. Teaching follows a seminar format, with discussion and debate centred on philosophical texts and selected excerpts. Learners will consider how these theories relate to artistic practices, media, politics and wider cultural phenomena.

What you'll learn

• Explain key concepts including sensation, intensity, the aesthetic regime and the postmodern sublime.
• Analyse selected philosophical texts and their implications for art, media and politics.
• Apply aesthetic theories to contemporary artistic practices and cultural phenomena.
• Discuss philosophical approaches to contemporary aesthetics in an informed way.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for improver-level learners with some prior exposure to modern or contemporary philosophy, aesthetics or art theory. Its seminar format involves listening, discussion and debate, including engagement with ideas that may differ from one’s own.

• Some prior exposure to philosophy, aesthetics or art theory is envisaged.
• Learners should be prepared to take part in seminar discussion and debate.
• The course includes reading short excerpts in class and at home.

Before you go

• Weekly reading at home is expected.
• Texts will be supplied, so learners are not expected to purchase them.