The course aims to introduce the basic concepts of aesthetics in order to clarify its relationship with the development of a symbolic mind. Particular attention will be devoted to the genesis of the aesthetic attitude from earliest childhood.
1. F. Desideri – C. Cantelli, Storia dell’estetica occidentale. Da Omero alle neuroscienze, Carocci, Roma 20123 .
It's better to read the entire book; for the examination, students must be familiar with the following paragraphs: 1.1.; 1.3.; 1.5.; 1.6.; 1.8.; 2.1.; 2.2.; 2.5.; 3.1.; 3.2.; 3.5.; 3.6.; 4.1.; 4.2.; 4.3.; 4.6.; 4.7; 5.1.; 5.2.; 5.4; 5.5.; 5.6.; 5.7; 6.1.; 6.2.; 6.4.; 6.7.; 6.9; 6.12; 7.1.; 7.3.; 7.4; 7.5.; 7.6.; 7.7.; 7.8; 7.10.; 7.12.; 7.13.
2. F. Desideri, Forme dell’estetica. Dall’esperienza del bello al problema dell’arte, Laterza, Roma-Bari 20093 (pp. VII-168).
General introduction to the issues of aesthetics and art.
3. A book chosen from the following three:
a) R. Arnheim, Pensieri sull’educazione artistica, Aesthtetica, Palermo 2007 (pp. 6-115).
A series of short essays on the expressive, educational and cognitive value of making art and of the relationship with the pictures.
b) W. Benjamin, L’opera d’arte nell’epoca della sua riproducibilità tecnica. Tre versioni (1936-1939), a cura di F. Desideri, Donzelli, Roma 2012 (pp. V-138).
The three main versions of the most influential essay of the twentieth century to understand the changing meaning and the new functions of the art in a Mass-Technological Society.
c) J. Dewey, Arte come esperienza, a cura di G. Matteucci, Aesthetica, Palermo 2007.
Limited to the following Chapters: 1-8 (pp. 31-191), 10 (pp. 215-242) e 14 (pp. 311-330).
Learning Objectives
KNOWLEDGE: Acquisition of basic knowledge of aesthetic, with particular attention to the role that aesthetic experience plays in the development of a symbolic mind and to the centrality of artistic practices in the education and the harmonic development of human subjectivity.
COMPETENCIES: Development of conceptual and practical skills regarding the relationship between Aesthetics and dynamics of the formation of the human subjectivity, with particular reference to the strategic centrality of art practices from earliest childhood.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge in psycho-pedagogical and philosophical sciences, usually acquired during the first year of studies. It is recommended in any case to attend the course.
Teaching Methods
Lectures, using slides and with particular attention to the development of an interactive discussion.
Further information
Course title
The sense of aesthetics. Genesis of the aesthetic attitudes and art practices.
Type of Assessment
The examination will be oral.
Course program
The course aims to clarify the sense of aesthetics for human life from its first emergence in the world of childhood. We will try, therefore, to answer the following questions: 1) How originates and develops in humans the aesthetic attitude towards others and the world? 2) What kind of relationship is there between the exercise of an aesthetic attitude with the cognitive and emotional dimensions of the experience, starting from the dynamics of perception? 3) What is the value and significance of the aesthetic and artistic practices in the formation of subjectivity from earliest childhood?