PHILOSOPHY OF ART

Fall 2025 Syllabus

Section 001
CRN: 14088
MW 3:00 — 4:15 PM
Edith Kanakaʻole Hall 128


Dr. Timothy J. Freeman
The University of Hawaii at Hilo
Edith Kanaka‘ole Hall 212
office: 932-7479; cell: 345-5231

freeman@hawaii.edu

Office Hours: MWF 1:00-2:00 PM
and by appointment

Banner image:
Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?, Paul Gauguin, 1897-1898.

PHIL 330 Philosophy of Art
The aesthetic object, form in art, representation, meaning in art, and claims of knowledge in art. Pre: previous work in philosophy and in art or music. (Attributes: DH)

Art and Its Significance: An Anthology of Aesthetic Theory, 3rd edition, ed. Stephen David Ross. State University of New York Press, 1994.

The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to a number of philosophical questions regarding art. Perhaps the most important of these, or at least one that has long been of central concern to the philosophy of art, is the Socratic question with regard to art, i.e., “what is art?” This question seeks some defining essence, some definition of art that would enable one to recognize art when one encounters it and to distinguish art from what is not art. Another central question concerns whether or not, and upon what basis, evaluative judgments regarding art are possible. Are evaluative judgments regarding art merely matters of taste, purely personal opinion, or is there some basis upon which to make an evaluative judgment of art that is not merely a matter of personal taste? In other words, is criticism of art possible? Philosophers of art are also concerned with the question of the purpose and value of art. What is art for? Do we learn something important in encountering art or does the purpose of art lie in giving pleasure in the contemplation of beautiful objects? Is the purpose of art to express feelings, to make statements, to transform society, or is art for art’s sake alone? What, then, is the value of art? Is art like Plato thought dangerous and thus subject to control and censorship, or is it something merely extraneous, enjoyable perhaps but not necessary for a healthy life or society, or is art vitally important for human beings today?

[Philosophy courses for GE purposes]: (As with all Philosophy courses) Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:
●respond clearly, logically and critically to examination questions and discussion questions about some important philosophical issues relevant to the course;
●read, comprehend, and discuss philosophical texts relevant to the course;
●compose effective written materials that assimilate, synthesize and reflect on course information;
●identify and describe in writing and in class discussion some important aspects of the philosophy of art.

This course is designated as Hybrid instruction, which means there will be a mixture of face to face and online instruction. Classroom face to face is recommended, but for those who are unable to make it to campus all classes will take place on Zoom and be recorded. Instruction will include lectures, powerpoint presentations, film clips, and discussions.
UH Hilo Designation of Types of Courses

Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the readings. No consumption of food is allowed during class. For those attending on Zoom cameras must be on for attendance to be counted.

The final grade will be based on the following:
1) A mid-term essay assignment (40%)
2) A final essay assignment (50%)
3) Attendance and participation (10%)

Grading will be determined according to the following scale:
A 95-100 Excellent
A - 90-94
B + 87-89
B 84-86 Good
B - 80-83
C + 77-79
C 74-76 Satisfactory
C - 70-73 Poor
D 60-70 Failure
F below 60

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Course Evaluation

**Schedule is subject to revision**