ART, MIND, LANGUAGE

The course explores the relationships between art, mind and language in modern and contemporary philosophy. The expressive properties of different linguistic codes are examined through a comparison of styles of reasoning, methods and objectives of several disciplines: philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, epistemology, history and theory of art. The course is part of the Master of Philosophy degree and is included in the 'Institutions of Philosophy' as a characterising activity. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, the course is also open to other degree courses, in particular to students interested in an analysis of the different languages of the arts.

Learning outcomes

The student, on successful completion of this module, will be able to:
1. critically engage with philosophical arguments, criticizing and organizing arguments
2. apply philosophical concepts to artistic issues
3. distinguish dimensions relevant to their own specialties

The course is designed for students in whom philosophical and artistic interests are interrelated, with a good basic knowledge in the history and theory of the arts. Additional and supplementary materials will be made available online on the course's moodle space. Particularly for those who do not come from a philosophy degree, tools to refine their philosophical knowledge will be recommended and provided.

Course title:
'The problem of expression'

By comparing figurative, performing, literary and musical works of art and philosophical theories concerning art, mind and language, the course addresses three objects of contemporary philosophical debate: representation, expression, make believe.

- M. Merleau-Ponty, «L'oeil et l'esprit», Gallimard
- W. Benjamin, «L’opera d’arte nell’epoca della sua riproducibilità tecnica», Einaudi
- L. Wittgenstein, «Lezioni sull’estetica, l’etica e la credenza religiosa», Adelphi
- A. Voltolini, «Finzioni. Il far finta e i suoi oggetti», Laterza
- A. Voltolini, «Immagine», il Mulino

- For those who attend the course, other texts (analysed in class) are planned and will be indicated in the moodle space, together with further bibliographical references.
- For those who choose not to attend the course, at least one interview is scheduled during the reception, one month before the chosen exam call, to establish the reference bibliography that includes all the texts in the programme.
- For an introduction to the course topics: C. Rofena, «A prima vista. Logiche del racconto e del disegno», Castelvecchi

Method of final evaluation: oral examination based on problems and readings considered during the course.

The main teaching methods of the course are the lecture, the lecture-discussion of texts. Every student will be encouraged to participate in the discussion of the materials (small group seminars and presentations). The lectures may be supplemented by participation in seminars or external interventions.

Italian

For problems with disabilities or specific learning disorders, students may contact the Disability and DSA office at disabilita@unive.it

oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development