Thinking about art has a long history. These three courses will give you the opportunity to explore some of that history through a combination of short lectures and discussion in groups. Part of each session will be spent in the Tate Modern galleries. The price of the course also includes a glass of wine after each session and the opportunity to discuss ideas further in an informal setting.

Major themes explored throughout these courses include the nature of aesthetic experience, beauty, creativity, the definition of art, the place of emotion in the arts, interpreting works of art, and the bases of qualitative judgments about art.

Each course lasts six weeks and is independent of the other courses. You can take, one, two or all three courses. Together they provide a comprehensive introduction to the philosophy of art through a consideration of some key readings. No prior knowledge of philosophy or art is assumed.

The set book for the courses is Aesthetics:  A Comprehensive Anthology  ed. Steven M. Cahn and Aaron Meskin, published by Blackwell (2008). You will need access to a copy of this book and will be expected to read a specified section in advance of each session. After each session recommended further reading and hyperlinks will be provided on a weblog.

• Aesthetics: Classic Aesthetics: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Art   Every Monday from 20 October to 24 November 2008, 18.45 - 20.15
• Aesthetics: Modern Aesthetics: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Art   Every Monday from 16 February to 23 March 2009, 18.45 - 20.15
• Aesthetics: Contemporary Aesthetics: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Art   Every Monday from 1 June to 6 July 2009, 18.45 - 20.15