This module aims to provide a basic understanding of the historical and philosophical evolution of the notion of beauty. It will examine the break between the ancient and modern perspectives, which affects the way both beauty and art are conceived.
The student will be able to achieve the following learning objectives:
Knowledge and skills:
• Understand the structural and content-related elements of aesthetics, both from a theoretical and historical point of view;
• Recognize the fundamental concepts of the discipline;
• Comprehend the specific terminology of the discipline.
Ability to apply knowledge and skills:
• Apply the acquired knowledge and skills in educational contexts;
• Address themes and concepts independently and with awareness.
Independent judgment:
• Develop independent reasoning and critical reading skills;
• Connect the concepts explored during the course with ongoing cultural transformations.
Communication skills:
• Acquire and use the specific terminology of the discipline in various contexts.
The student will be able to achieve the following learning objectives:
Knowledge and skills:
• Understand the structural and content-related elements of aesthetics, both from a theoretical and historical point of view;
• Recognize the fundamental concepts of the discipline;
• Comprehend the specific terminology of the discipline.
Ability to apply knowledge and skills:
• Apply the acquired knowledge and skills in educational contexts;
• Address themes and concepts independently and with awareness.
Independent judgment:
• Develop independent reasoning and critical reading skills;
• Connect the concepts explored during the course with ongoing cultural transformations.
Communication skills:
• Acquire and use the specific terminology of the discipline in various contexts.
teacher profile teaching materials
Something extraordinary happens in a work of art: human beings prove capable of creating a new form, an original and unique reality, thereby generating beauty.
What makes it possible to generate beauty?
To answer this question, the course begins by reflecting on what it means for us to experience beauty; then, following Etienne Gilson’s analysis, it will offer a detailed overview of the so-called “arts of beauty,” in an effort to identify what characterizes the artistic experience and what makes it so unique.
G. Gilson, Materie e forme. Poietiche particolari delle arti maggiori, Morcelliana, Brescia 2023
Programme
Beauty in Life and ArtSomething extraordinary happens in a work of art: human beings prove capable of creating a new form, an original and unique reality, thereby generating beauty.
What makes it possible to generate beauty?
To answer this question, the course begins by reflecting on what it means for us to experience beauty; then, following Etienne Gilson’s analysis, it will offer a detailed overview of the so-called “arts of beauty,” in an effort to identify what characterizes the artistic experience and what makes it so unique.
Core Documentation
P. Fedrigotti, Concepire il bello, Orthotes, Napoli-Salerno 2026G. Gilson, Materie e forme. Poietiche particolari delle arti maggiori, Morcelliana, Brescia 2023
Attendance
Although attendance is optional, it is strongly recommendedType of evaluation
The final exam will consist of a written exam, in which students will be asked multiple-choice and open-ended questions covering the authors’ main theories and the classification of the texts. Online assignments completed prior to the exam will also be taken into account. Grades will be assigned by distinguishing between failing (1–17) and passing grades. A grade will be considered failing if the majority of responses are missing or contain serious gaps or errors. Within the passing grades, a range of grades from 18 to 30 will be assigned. Grades from 28 to 30 represent the highest possible grade, where the distinction is justified by minor shortcomings in non-substantive elements of the response, such as the development of the argument, the ability to reason, and the presentation of the content. In cases where the student demonstrates not only the optimal achievement of the objectives but also a distinctive ability in the articulation of philosophical discourse, the grade of 30/30 will be awarded with honors.