Learning objectives

Aesthetics
The course aims to provide the conceptual, methodological and cultural foundations for analyzing and interpreting aesthetic problems in the strict sense (sensitive perception and knowledge) and works of art in a broader sense. In this sense specific knowledge is transmitted (interpretative theories and artistic practices within the context of history of Western aesthetical reflection) which, subsequently, are applied to specific problems (perception in general and to particular works). The course aims to make people understand the conceptual logics and structures, through which aesthetical experience lets us comprehend the world we live, and transform it. At the end of course, students will develop the ability to comprehend a philosophical text, to correctly approach it from a hermeneutical perspective, and to use a precise and adequate language; moreover, it aims at allowing the student to acquire the competences to confront himself with the sensitive perception and with the artistic world so as to be able to independently form a critical judgment. Finally, students will have the capacity to communicate philosophical contents to specialists and non-specialists alike, and to continue their studies at a MA level.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Nessuno

Program

AESTHETICS, TECHNOLOGY, TECHNO-ESTHETICS

This path invites students to understand some fundamental issues of aesthetics, starting from the technological transformations that characterize contemporaneity. The course will be divided into two sections. 1) The first section will propose a brief historical-conceptual journey on the issues of Aesthetics and Philosophy of art to allow students to become familiar with some fundamental concepts of the discipline. 2) A second section will analyze the task of aesthetics - understood as a theory of perception -delving into the vast contemporary debate on the structural connection between aesthetics, sensitivity, and technology. The course is part of a broader context, linked to a national research project, which articulates, also on experimental bases, the impact of technologies on sensitivity, as well as the multimodal hybridizations between body perception and the digitalization of sensitivity.


REFERENCE TEXTS
Preparation for the exam consists of two mandatory texts and a text chosen from the list below.

1) Mandatory text:

 M. Ophälders, Filosofia Arte Estetica, Mimesis, Milano 2008
 A. Pinotti, Il primo libro di Estetica, Einaudi, Torino 2022


2) A text chosen from those listed below:

 W. Benjamin, Aura e choc, a cura di A. Pinotti e A. Somaini, Einaudi, Torino 2012
 M. McLuhan, Gli strumenti del comunicare, a cura di E. Capriolo, Il Saggiatore, Milano 2023
 G. Simondon, Sulla tecno-estetica, a cura di E. Binda, Mimesis, Milano 2014
 G. Simondon, Del modo di esistenza degli oggetti tecnici, a cura di A. S. Caridi, Orthotes, Napoli-Salerno 2021
 P. Montani, Tecnologie della sensibilità, Cortina, Milano 2014
 B. Stiegler, La miseria simbolica (Vol. 2): La catastrofe del sensibile, Meltemi, Roma 2022
 A. C. Dalmasso e B. Grespi (a cura di), Mediarcheologia, Cortina, Milano 2023
 A. Pinotti e A. Somaini (a cura di), Cultura Visuale, Einaudi, Torino 2016
 R. Diodato, Estetica del virtuale, Bruno Mondadori, Milano 2005

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Although the lectures will play an important role, they will be enriched by the confrontation generated by collective discussions. A close reading and a precise analysis of the proposed philosophical texts will be encouraged. These will be multisensory experiences, aimed at expanding students’ critical, perceptual and cognitive abilities. Partial audio-video e-learning materials will be shared.

Learning assessment procedures

- The examination will consist of an oral interview with the lecturer on the topics covered in class and the texts in the syllabus.
- The content of the test will be divided into two parts: the first part of the verification of knowledge of the fundamentals of the discipline and its history (Aesthetics in its conceptual and historical development) and verification of knowledge of some key terms of the discipline, both according to a historical-diachronic slant and in the context of the contemporary debate; a second part devoted to the specific monographic path proposed in class, with the support of the choice texts in the program.
- The mode of assessment will consist of an oral interview during which the student will be asked to narrate the proposed training course according to his or her experience.
- The assessment mode will be a grade in thirtieths.

Evaluation criteria

- The examination will consist of an oral interview with the lecturer on the topics covered in class and the texts in the syllabus.
- The content of the test will be divided into two parts: a first part of verification of knowledge of the fundamentals of the discipline and its history (Aesthetics in its conceptual and historical development), and verification of knowledge of some key terms of the discipline, both according to a historical-diachronic slant and in the context of the contemporary debate; a second part devoted to the specific monographic path proposed in class, with the support of the choice texts in the program.
- The mode of assessment will consist of an oral interview during which the student will be asked to narrate the proposed training course, according to his or her experience.
- The assessment mode will be a grade in thirtieths.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

- The examination will consist of an oral interview with the lecturer on the topics covered in class and the texts in the syllabus.
- The content of the test will be divided into two parts: a first part of verification of knowledge of the fundamentals of the discipline and its history (Aesthetics in its conceptual and historical development), and verification of knowledge of some key terms of the discipline, both according to a historical-diachronic slant and in the context of the contemporary debate; a second part devoted to the specific monographic path proposed in class, with the support of the choice texts in the program.
- The mode of assessment will consist of an oral interview during which the student will be asked to narrate the proposed training course, according to his or her experience.
- The assessment mode will be a grade in thirtieths.

Exam language

Italiano

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