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Philosophy of Art

Key information

  • Module code:

    7AAN6006

  • Level:

    7

  • Semester:

      Spring

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

 This module introduces and examines a number of the key thinkers and the central debates within Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art.

The first half of the course looks in detail at four influential, historical analyses of art - by Hume, Kant, Hegel, and Heidegger. Central questions addressed include the nature of beauty, whether all artistic preferences are equally valid, the relationship between art and art theory, and the role of artworks in enshrining, sustaining, or undermining, social institutions.

The second half of the course focuses on contemporary treatments of some of the core questions in aesthetics. The main topics considered include: Can a work of art be immoral? If so, would it be bad art?; Can I make something a work of art simply by saying so?; How do pictures represent, and to what degree is pictorial representation conventional?; Can pornography be art?; What, if anything, is wrong with kitsch? Does a work of art have a single ‘correct’ meaning? If so, what determines it?

Assessment details

Summative assessment: 1 x 3,500-word essay (100%)

Formative assessment: 1 x 2,000-3,000 word essay

Teaching pattern

One one-hour weekly lecture and one one-hour weekly seminar over ten weeks. 


Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.