Considered as an advancement in aesthetic studies, the course aims to examine relevant issues for both philosophical and literary and artistic disciplines.

We will study a central concept of aesthetics, that of mimesis, in the classical conceptions of Plato and Aristotle. We will then consider the criticisms that in contemporary times have been moved to mimesis from both an artistic and a philosophical point of view. The notion of fiction, which is very studied by analytical aesthetics, will be examined both as correlated and as opposed to that of mimesis. Finally, we will evaluate in what terms these two forms of representation contribute to the knowledge of the world and of themselves.

The course will address the following topics in the following order:

Art, mimesis, and truth in Plato's Republic (books II-383C 376th, 386th-398B III, VI 511th-509b, 514a-518d VII, X 595th-608B).

Mimesis, tragedy and cognitive value of the artwork in Aristotle's Poetics (chaps. 1-15, 23, 25).

Criticism of the concept of mimesis in contemporary aesthetics, in particular by N. Goodman, Languages of Art (chap. 1).

Artistic representation, truth and self-knowledge.

Prerequisites are not required.

Knowledge and understanding
The student will be able to understand and explain the aesthetical-philosophical texts examined, to argue rigorously and to discuss critically the topics which have been dealt in the class.

Making judgments
The student will demonstrate independent judgment in the evaluation of the aesthetical-philosophical theories studied and he/she will be able to produce a personal reworking of the acquired knowledge.

Learning skills
The student will be able to master the knowledge and skills he/she has acquired.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Seminars.

Teaching

Didactics
Lectures, seminars.

 

Attendance

The course requires a regular attendance. Alternatively, please make use of the information for not attending students.

Course books

A. Texts:

Platone, Repubblica, a cura di M. Vegetti, Rizzoli, Milano 2006 (libri II 376e-383c, III 386a-398b, VI 509b-511e, VII 514a-518d, X 595a-608b).

Aristotele, Poetica, a cura di D. Guastini, Carocci, Roma 2009 (capp. 1-15, 23, 25).

Goodman, N., I linguaggi dell'arte, Milano, Il saggiatore, 1976, 1988 (cap. 1).

B. Literature:

P. Sauvanet, Elementi di estetica, il Mulino, Bologna 2008.

A. Voltolini, Finzioni, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2010.

C) Reference books:

F. Desideri e C. Cantelli, Storia dell'estetica occidentale, Roma, Carocci, 2008.

F. Vercellone, A. Bertinetto, G. Garelli, Lineamenti di storia dell'estetica, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2008.

Other texts of secondary literature will be indicated during the course.

Assessment

An oral examination on the text of the group (A) and on one of the groups (B) and (C).

Students' knowledge of the philosophical theories dealt with during the course will be subject to an evaluation.

Particular attention is given to the ability to expound philosophical theories with the terminology proper to each, as well as to the ability to grasp thoroughly and explain passages from the texts that have been studied.

Students will be expected to develop a critical approach with regard to the theories studied. In evaluating students, particular attention will be given to their ability to reformulate in their own terms the ideas encountered in coursework and to their ability to make comparisons between the various thinkers they have studied.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Not attending students can contact the teacher in the office hours to ask for explanations about the content of the tests for the exam.

Attendance

Please contact the teacher, preferably personally, at least three months in advance of the scheduled date of the exam.

Course books

A. Texts:

Platone, Repubblica, a cura di M. Vegetti, Rizzoli, Milano 2006 (libri II 376e-383c, III 386a-398b, VI 509b-511e, VII 514a-518d, X 595a-608b).

Aristotele, Poetica, a cura di D. Guastini, Carocci, Roma 2009 (capp. 1-15, 23, 25).

Goodman, N., I linguaggi dell'arte, Milano, Il saggiatore, 1976, 1988 (cap. 1).

B. Literature:

P. Sauvanet, Elementi di estetica, il Mulino, Bologna 2008.

A. Voltolini, Finzioni, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2010.

C) Reference books:

F. Desideri e C. Cantelli, Storia dell'estetica occidentale, Roma, Carocci, 2008.

F. Vercellone, A. Bertinetto, G. Garelli, Lineamenti di storia dell'estetica, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2008.

Assessment

An oral examination on the text of the group (A) and on two of the groups (B) and (C).

Students' knowledge of the philosophical theories dealt with during the course will be subject to an evaluation.

Particular attention is given to the ability to expound philosophical theories with the terminology proper to each, as well as to the ability to grasp thoroughly and explain passages from the texts that have been studied.

Students will be expected to develop a critical approach with regard to the theories studied. In evaluating students, particular attention will be given to their ability to reformulate in their own terms the ideas encountered in coursework and to their ability to make comparisons between the various thinkers they have studied.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

The teacher is available for the students in the appropriate office hours, for explanations and additional bibliographic information on the exam program, particularly in the case of not attending students.