Philosophy of Art - BMEGT43A375

The course offers a survey of the major issues in the philosophy of art. It introduces students into analytical methods neccesary to formalize and answer fundamental questions about art. It focuses on the contemporary cultural scene and on the ways philosophical problems are reflected in the practice of artistic communication. Class discussions will also raise questions about the social contexts of art, the mechanisms of contemporary art institutions and the norms of communication in cultural discourses.

1. Basic knowledge of social science methodologies
2. Solid knowledge of conceptualization for studying communication and media phenomena

1. Ability to make judgements in practical tasks, ability to make independent decisions
2. Analytical skills

1. Openness to self-criticism and self-improvement
2. Acceptance of one's own (Western) cultural traditions

1. Display one’s own worldview in a professional setting

Lectures and class discussions

• A tantárgy elvégzéshez szükséges oktatási anyagok, szakirodalom a kurzus moodle-oldaláról érhető el a hallgatóknak (edu.gtk.bme.hu)

Response paper: a short critical essay reflecting on the compulsory literature of the given lesson (length: maximum 3000 characters; structure: phrasing one of the questions of text meant to answer and outlining the answer proposed in the text). Practice task: a case study consisting of the presentation of a contemporary art phenomenon and the analysis of its reception - referring to the theoretical issues discussed in the lessons. Short critique: A 3-4 page critical paper about a cultural product chosen by the student (literary work, film, theater performance, fine art exhibition, concert, etc.). Class work means active and regular participation in class discussions. Mere presence alone is therefore not in itself sufficient to fulfill participation in class work.

Requirements for completion: writing two tests or preparing the specified amount of response papers. (The student may choose to participate in the joint work by writing tests or submitting response papers.) If any of the conditions are not met, the student may not submit an exam paper or participate in an oral exam. “Signature criteria” are turning in tests are response papers. preparation of a practice task submitting a short critique. In the lessons, we jointly analyze the resulting texts and help the authors to bring the writings into a publishable form. (Students may choose to submit a practical assignment instead of a short critique.) Students can choose the form in which they want to take the exam: they can submit a end-term paper (written exam) or take an oral exam.

• response paper or tests: 20
• assigments and short reviews: 20
• classroom activity: 10
• sum: 50

• end of term exam: 50

Az aláírás feltétele az óralátogatás (max. 30 százalékos hiányzás).

Retakes and make-ups are regulated by the University’s Code on Education and Examination.

Consulted with the Faculty Student Representative Committee, approved by the Vice Dean for Education, valid from: 10.11.2025.

1. A művészet meghatározása 2. Művészet és megismerés 3. Művészet és érzelmi tudás 4. Művészet és moralitás 5. Az interpretáció természete 6. Esztétikai tulajdonságok 7. Magasművészet és tömegkultúra 8. Az ízlés problémája 9. Esztétikai normativitás 10. A művészi érték kapcsolata a művek morális, kognitív/episztemikus, politikai, terapeutikus stb. értékével 11. A fikció természete 12. Esztétikai indokok és választások 13. Imaginative resistance 14. Esztétikai vétkek és erények