Philosophy of Mass Art (spring 2010)
Description
Is popular art essentially flawed? Does it aim at the lowest common denominator? Is there something politically liberating about mechanically produced art? What is mass art? How does mass art engage the emotions? On what grounds can we criticize popular art? How might mass art instruct and corrupt us morally? These are some of the questions this class will explore. The goal of this class is to critically evaluate the fundamental assumptions and central arguments that set the stage for much of the current critical work in the humanities. Students will develop a sophisticated, clear understanding of the key positions in the philosophy of mass art. Students will also gain an understanding of several major issues in the philosophy of art.