Susanne K. Langer (1895-1985) was a US philosopher, whose work is currently being rediscovered and re-evaluated by a new generation of scholars. This course aims to explore and interpret the core tenets of her philosophy while shedding light on motivations behind the renewed interest in her work. Emphasis will be placed on Langer’s perspectives regarding philosophical and scientific significance of art. We will examine how the concepts she introduced in aesthetics intersect with various other areas of philosophical and scientific research.
Through close reading of her work and in-class discussions, our exploration will center on questions such as:
• What insights does art provide into the human mind?
• How does art contribute to our understanding of the evolution of the human brain?
• What is art’s social significance, if any?
The course is open to students from all academic disciplines and levels. With a class limit of 20 students, priority
placement will be given to those from the aesthetics department.
Requirements
The classes will be primarily organized as a reading group. Participants are required to attend in-person,
thoroughly prepare for each class by completing the assigned readings, and actively contribute to class
discussions (up to 40 points). Furthermore, they should participate in the classroom blog (up to 40 points) and
submit an essay (up to 40 points).
The evaluation is as follows: 80 and above: A // 65 – 79: B // 50 – 69: C.
Through close reading of her work and in-class discussions, our exploration will center on questions such as:
• What insights does art provide into the human mind?
• How does art contribute to our understanding of the evolution of the human brain?
• What is art’s social significance, if any?
The course is open to students from all academic disciplines and levels. With a class limit of 20 students, priority
placement will be given to those from the aesthetics department.
Requirements
The classes will be primarily organized as a reading group. Participants are required to attend in-person,
thoroughly prepare for each class by completing the assigned readings, and actively contribute to class
discussions (up to 40 points). Furthermore, they should participate in the classroom blog (up to 40 points) and
submit an essay (up to 40 points).
The evaluation is as follows: 80 and above: A // 65 – 79: B // 50 – 69: C.
- Teacher: Tereza Hadravová